Process for producing surfactant having two head groups and a single tail group per molecule

A process for producing a surfactant having two head groups and a single tail group per molecule, comprising steps of:

• a. producing a compound of Formula (1) from ethanol and carbon disulfide according to the following chemical equation (I):
• b. producing a compound of Formula (2) from a carboxylic acid and bromine according to the following chemical equation (II):
• where, R is C12, C14, C16, or C18 alkyl;
• c. producing a compound of Formula (3) from the compound of Formula (2) and methanol according to the following chemical equation (III):
• where, R is C12, C14, C16, or C18 alkyl;
• d. producing a compound of Formula (4) from the compound of Formula (1) and the compound of Formula (3) according to the following chemical equation (IV):
• where, R is C12, C14, C16, or C18 alkyl;
• and
• e. producing a compound of Formula (5) from the compound of Formula (4) by a direct oxidation process or by a peracid oxidation process according to the following chemical equation (V):
• where, R is C12, C14, C16, or C18 alkyl;
• wherein, the compound of Formula (5) obtained is subjected to neutralization treatment with sodium hydroxide so as to obtain a surfactant having two head groups and a single tail group per molecule.