Synthesis and properties of Alkyl α-D-Galactopyranoside

Alkyl α-D-galactopyranosides are sugar-based nonionic surfactants, and it is necessary to research their structure–property relationships since it is not quite clear that the change of the alkyl chain length has effects on a series of physicochemical properties. Here, alkyl α-D-galactopyranosides were prepared by galactose and alcohols through three steps including acetylation, coupling with alcohols in the presence of a catalyst stannic chloride, and deprotection. Furthermore, their water solubility and other properties were investigated. Alkyl α-D-galactopyranosides (4a ∼ 4e, n = 6 ∼ 10) were water soluble, and their dissolution process in water was an endothermic process. Nonyl α-D-galactopyranoside (4d) showed excellent foaming ability and foam stability. Octyl α-D-galactopyranoside (4c) had the strongest emulsifying ability for toluene and nonyl α-D-galactopyranoside (4d) had the strongest emulsifying ability for rapeseed oil. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values and surface tension at the CMC were decreasing with increasing alkyl chain length. Their standard free energy of adsorption (ΔG_ads) was more negative than their standard free energy of micellization (ΔG_mic). The moisture-absorption abilities were weakening with increasing alkyl chain length. Alkyl α-D-galactopyranosides (4a ∼4f) were thermally stable below 280°C. Alkyl α-D-galactopyranosides (4c ∼4f) had the optical texture of the thermotropic liquid crystal smectic A phase.