Strategies to Tackle the Waste Water from α-Tocopherol-Derived Surfactant Chemistry

The implications of the use of surfactant TPGS-750-M in water as a micellar reaction medium on the concomitant aqueous waste streams and their sustainable disposal have been studied. Biodegradability, log P-ow, solubility, and German water hazard class of the surfactant have been determined and enabled establishment of a waste water concept, which builds on the lipophilicity and ester group lability of the molecule. The presented data and examples suggest preferred ways for designing surfactant processes and their aqueous waste streams in a sustainable manner.

Automated summary

The study examined the implications of using surfactant TPGS-750-M in water as a micellar reaction medium on the treatment of water waste and sustainable disposal. By determining the properties of the surfactant, a waste water concept was established which focuses on the lipophilicity and ester group lability of the molecule. The findings suggest preferred ways for designing surfactant processes and managing their aqueous waste streams in a sustainable manner.