Linear alkyl Phosphonic acids and their phosphonate salts are surfactants because of their classic bifunctional chemical structure, RP(O)(OH)2, consisting of both non-polar organic hydrophobic groups and anionic inorganic hydrophilic groups. Like the related alkyl sulfonates, they are used as detergents, dispersants, emulsifiers, and chelating agents. Alkyl phosphonic acids are typically sparingly soluble in both organic solvents and water, but become more soluble in water when neutralized to phosphonates at neutral to high pH.
1-Dodecylphosphonic acid is used as tuning of surface energy, wetting, and work function of metal oxides.
