Modified chitosan carrying phosphonic and alkyl groups

The introduction of an alkyl chain onto a water soluble modified chitosan (N-methylene phosphonic chitosan) offer the presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic branched for controlling solubility properties. A simple methodology for the preparation of a new chitosan derivative surfactant, N-lauryl-N-methylene phosphonic chitosan, has been developed. Its chemical identity was determined by FTIR and confirmed by H-1 and C-13 NMR. The degree of lauryl substitution was estimated to be 0.33. As a result of the amphiphilic properties, like surface activity typical for surfactants, this derivative opens new perspectives in pharmaceutical and cosmetic field. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.