| Summary: | The large scale use of sodium polyphosphate builders in detergents has led to concern that they are a major contributor to accelerated eutrophication. One solution to this problem is to design a surfactant that does not require a phosphate builder. Chapter One discusses some of the physical chemistry of surfactants, the history and formulation of detergents and the role of phosphates in accelerated eutrophication. In Chapter Two various synthetic routes to long chain analogues of 3-substitutedcyclopentane-1,2,4-trionee are investigated and a successful synthesis of long chain acyl derivatives of 3-substituted-cyclopentane-1,2,4-triones is described. The 73C n.m.r. spectra of 3-substituted-, 3,5-disubstituted and 3-substituted-5-acylcyclopentane-1,2,4-triones are presented for the first time. In addition the rearrangement of 3,5-diarylcyclopentane-1,2,4-triones is discussed. Chapter Three is concerned with oxocarbons which could form the basis for a novel range of surfactants. The reactions of dimethyl squarate and dimethyl croconate with organometallic reagents are described. The C,n.m.r. spectra of the oxocarbons and related compounds are also discussed. Chapter Four is a digression from the main theme of the thesis and describes synthetic routes to long chain 4-alkyl and 4-alkoxypyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acids. The isolation of diethyl 3-dodecoxypyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate rather than the expected 4-substituted product from reaction of diethyl 4-chloropyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate with sodium dodecanolate constitutes the main point of interest. In the Appendix the synthesis of long chain mono-N-alkyloligoethyleneoligoamines is described. These compounds have been shown to lower the heat resistance of bacterial endospores and may be useful as disinfectants.
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