This invention provides novel
sulfate esters or salts thereof having two or more carbonyl groups, and surfactants. A compound, characterized by having the formula: R 1 -C(=O)-R 2 -C(=O)-R 3 -OSO3X represents this. (In the formula, R) 1 It is a straight-chain or branched
alkyl group with 1 or more carbon atoms, or a cyclic
alkyl group with 3 or more carbon atoms, wherein the
hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atoms are not substituted or are substituted by hydroxyl groups or monovalent organic groups containing ester bonds. If it has 2 or more carbon atoms, it may contain a
carbonyl group. If it has 3 or more carbon atoms, it may contain monovalent or
divalent heterocycles, or it may be rolled into a ring. R 2 and R 3 Independently a
single bond or a
divalent linker. R 1 R 2 and R 3 The total number of carbon atoms is 6 or more. X is H, a
metal atom, or NR. 4 4. Imidazolium with or without substituents,
pyridinium with or without substituents, or
phosphonium with or without substituents, R 4 It can be an H or an
organic group, and can be the same or different. R 1 R 2 and R 3 (In this context, any two elements can bond together to form a ring.)