NEW MATERIAL:An amine derivative of formula I (R1 and R2 are H or 1W18C alkyl, although one of them is at least alkyl and the total number of C forming the alkyl groups of R1 and R2 is 8W18; R3 is H or hydroxymethyl; Y is CH2, CO, O, OCH2, CONH, etc.; Z is SO3H, OSO3H, etc.; n is 0W3) and its salts.

EXAMPLE: (N-Sulfoethyl-2-N-undecyl)-colamine.

USE: Buffering and surface active actions, and no toxicity. Especially useful in a biochemical field where pH has to be adjusted to 6W11, e.g. protective anti-inflammatory agents for cells and skin, carcinostatics, preventives of cancers, or compounding agents for solid detergents.

PREPARATION: The compound formed by the reaction of a compound of formula II and a compound of formula HOX1 (X1 is halogen is reacted in the presence of an alkali, and then successively with ammonia and the compound of formula III, to obtain the compound of formula I.