Synthesis and Interface Activity of Cetyltrimethylammonium Benzoate

Quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants are widely applied in many fields, such as textile, cosmetic and petrochemical industries, but the research of the effect of anion on cationic surfactants is scarce. To study the effect of anions on the surface properties, a cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium benzoate, CTABe) was prepared from cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), and the surface properties were studied, including surface tension, critical micelle concentration, foaming ability and stability, corrosion inhibition, and oil displacement efficiency. All the results indicate that the new quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant CTABe is more useful surfactant in oil and natural gas fields.