alkylpolyglykosider

Alkylpolyglykosides, often abbreviated as APGs, are a class of nonionic surfactants. They are derived from renewable resources, typically fatty alcohols from vegetable oils and sugars such as glucose from corn starch. The synthesis involves a direct reaction between the fatty alcohol and glucose.

APGs are characterized by their amphiphilic nature, meaning they possess both hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (oil-loving) properties. This structure allows them to effectively reduce the surface tension between oil and water, making them excellent emulsifiers, wetting agents, and detergents.

One of the key advantages of APGs is their favorable environmental profile. They are readily biodegradable and exhibit low toxicity to aquatic life, making them a sustainable alternative to some traditional petroleum-based surfactants. Their mildness also makes them suitable for use in personal care products like shampoos and body washes, as well as in household cleaning agents.

The properties of APGs can be tailored by varying the length of the alkyl chain (from the fatty alcohol) and the number of sugar units (the degree of polymerization). This allows for a wide range of applications, from industrial cleaning and agricultural formulations to cosmetics and food processing. Their stability across a broad pH range further enhances their versatility.