A novel series of self-sequestering surfactants has been synthesized by the reaction of phthalic anhydride, citric acid and polyethylene glycol. The unique structural features of these surfactants have been confirmed by infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and elemental analysis. These surfactants exhibit excellent properties of self-sequestering. Besides good surfactant properties, including surface tension, low-foaming, emulsifying power and dispersant properties, they possess autonomous sequestering ability without any help of additional sequestering agent.