Tri-alkyl ammonium salts

CTAB/ CTAC Ionic Long-chain alkyl tri alkyl ammonium salt C16H33N(Me)jBr/Cr 2-3.5... 

Similar differences in the surfactant nature of soluble and insoluble species can be found in studies of foam stability. Broadly speaking, insoluble or solid-type surfactants do not efficiently stabilise foams (Garrett, 1967b). On the other hand, water-soluble surfactants such as the alkyl sulphonates, phosphates and tri-alkyl ammonium salts, all common detergents, form prolific foams. Wilson (1959) noted the accumulation of albuminoid-N compoimds in coastal sea foams, while Southward (1953), who found a variety of planktonic and benthic oi anisms in such foams, concluded that proteins were probably responsible for the foam stability. Wilson and Collier (1972) have observed the production of such foam-stabilising events in appreciable quantities by various marine organisms such as diatoms. 

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