APPLICATIONS
Amphoteric surfactants have dual functional groups (both acidic and basic groups) in the same molecule. They are polar solvents that have a high solubility in water but a poor solubility in most organic solvents. They are electrically neutral but carries positive and negative charges on different atoms in an aqueous solution. Depending on the composition and conditions of pH value, the substances can have anionic or cationic properties. In the presence of acids, they will accept the hydrogen ions but they will donate hydrogen ions to the solution in the presence of bases, which balances the pH. Such actions make buffer solutions which resist change to the pH. In the detergency ability amphoteric surfactants which change their charge according to the pH of the solution affects properties of foaming, wetting and detergentcy through a surface action that exerts both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. In biochemistry amphoteric surfactant is used as a detergent for purifying, cleansing and antimicrobial effects. Alkylbetains and aminoxides are amphoteric surfactants.