Synthesis and properties of antioxidant amphiphilic ascorbate salts

Synthesis of new surfactants with antioxidant properties was carried out from ascorbic acid and different fatty amines. Characterization of physicochemical properties of these new compounds indicated a classical behavior of cationic surfactants. Antioxidant properties, estimated using methyl linoleate oxidation inhibition and DPPH methods, were close to that of ascorbic acid tested in the same conditions. These compounds were investigated in the formulation of wood preservation mixtures containing propiconazole, a widely used fungicide, and compared to the formulation obtained with an industrial nonionic surfactant. Biological tests were carried out under laboratory conditions to evaluate the ability of these formulations to protect beech wood blocks exposed to Coriolus versicolor, a white rot fungus. Results indicated that using aqueous formulation of propiconazole allows reducing the quantity of biocide compared to solutions of the same concentrations in ethanol. Protection achieved with antioxidant surfactant was slightly superior to that obtained with conventional surfactant.