# Bio‐Based Surfactants via Borrowing Hydrogen Catalysis

## TL;DR

A new method uses amino acids and alcohols to create eco-friendly surfactants in one step, with high efficiency and potential biodegradability.

## Contribution

A single-step, waste-free synthesis of bio-based surfactants using a ruthenium catalyst and borrowing hydrogen chemistry.

## Key findings

- Surfactants were synthesized using amino acids and alcohols without protecting groups.
- Gemini surfactants and a quaternary ammonia salt showed remarkable surfactant properties.
- The compounds demonstrated potential biodegradability, supporting their sustainable application.

## Abstract

A borrowing hydrogen approach to produce bio‐based surfactants is described. The process utilizes ubiquitous amino acids and common alcohols without protecting group manipulations. Surfactants are synthesized in a single step using a commercially available ruthenium‐based catalyst in a waste‐free manner with nearly ideal atom economy. The versatility of the products is shown by further derivatization resulting in novel Gemini surfactants and a related quaternary ammonia salt. The analysis of selected compounds shows remarkable properties as surfactants. Further studies show their potential biodegradability in nature, which enhances the broad application profile of the sustainable products prepared in this study.

A borrowing hydrogen approach to produce bio‐based surfactants is described. Using amino acids and common alcohols without protecting groups, surfactants are synthesized in one step with a ruthenium catalyst, achieving nearly ideal atom economy, including Gemini surfactants and a quaternary ammonia salt, with remarkable surfactant properties and potential biodegradability, enhancing the broad application profile of these sustainable products.