To obtain a new compound useful as an intermediate for two-chain two-hydrophilic group-containing anionic surfactants which are high-performance surfactants.

This compound is represented by formula I {[(n)+1] is 8-20; (m) is 2-6}, preferably a compound represented by formula II. The above compound represented by formula I is preferably obtained by acylating a known amino compound and specifically dissolving an amino compound represented by formula III and sodium hydroxide in water/diethyl ether (1:1), then dropping lauroyl chloride thereto under stirring at room temperature, stirring the resultant mixture for 1 h and subsequently regulating the pH with hydrochloric acid. The compound represented by formula II is preferably obtained by hydrolyzing the compound represented by formula I with an alkali and then regulating the pH to an acidic one (pH 1).