Progress on the synthesis and applications of the green non-ionic surfactant alkyl polyglycosides

Abstract

Against the backdrop of deeply ingrained principles of green chemistry and sustainable development, alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), a series of green non-ionic surfactants synthesized from natural and renewable sugars and fatty alcohols, are attracting increasingly widespread attention. APGs not only exhibit low surface tension, excellent compatibility, rich and fine foaming properties, and good biodegradability, but also demonstrate low irritation to the skin and eyes, endowing them with broad application prospects. This review provides a systematic overview of the structure, properties, synthetic methods, and application research progress of APGs. Firstly, the structure–property relationships between the molecular structure of APGs and their solubility, surface activity, foaming performance, and safety are analyzed and discussed. Secondly, various synthesis routes, including glycosidation, enzymatic catalysis, and phase-transfer catalysis, are introduced. The advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scenarios of different processes are compared and analyzed, with a focused review on the various types of catalysts (inorganic acids, organic acids, solid acids, composite acids, and ionic liquids) used in the industrial glycosidation method. Their development history and catalytic performance are summarized, alongside the current technical challenges and future directions for industrialization. Finally, the practical applications of APGs in cosmetics, detergents, petroleum extraction, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides are summarized, and their future potential is discussed. This review aims to provide a valuable reference for optimizing green synthesis processes, developing high-performance APGs products, and advancing their industrialization.