PURPOSE: To obtain an ampholitic surface active compound whose lipophilicity and hydrophilicity can be adjusted in accordance with purposes, by forming a constitution having both an alkylene oxide group and a betaine group as the hydrophilic groups.
CONSTITUTION: The compound is represented by the formula, wherein R is 8-24C alkyl or alkenyl; R' is an ethylene and/or propylene group; R" is 5C or lower alkyl; n is an integer of 1 to 50; and M is a monovalent alkali metal. Since the compound does not contain sodium chloride, etc., it is less corrosive to metal than an ampholytic surfactant obtained from a tertiary amine by using monochloroacetic acid and an alkali and containing sodium chloride, etc. It also has good compatibility with other substances and good solubility in water, whether acidic, neutral or alkaline, and in an alcohol, exhibits an excellent ability to reduce surface tension, and is also excellent in foaming ability and its persistence.
TOMIHARA KENICHI
KIMURA YUJI
