WO2015138444A1

WO2015138444A1 - Ammonia nh4x compositions for use with hard brine

Info

Publication number: WO2015138444A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/019698
Authority: WO
Inventors: Upali A. WEERASOORIYA; Gary A. Pope; Kishore MOHANTY; Himanshu Sharma; Karasinghe Nadeeka UPAMALI
Original assignee: Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System
Priority date: 2014-03-10
Filing date: 2015-03-10
Publication date: 2015-09-17

Abstract

Provided herein are compositions and methods for displacing hydrocarbon materials for use in, for example, enhanced oil recovery. For example, an aqueous composition comprising water, a surfactant, an ammonia compound and an ammonium salt or a salt blend thereof, wherein said salt blend comprises a plurality of chemically different ammonium salts is provided, wherein the molar ratio of said ammonia compound to said ammonium salt or said salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 0.1: 1; and said ammonia compound is R3H2N, (R3)2HN, (R3)3N, or NH3, wherein R3 is unsubstituted C 1-C5 alkyl. Emulsions comprising the above composition in a petroleum phase are also provided as are methods for increasing the solubility of a viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer' in hard brine water and increasing the solubility of Ca2+ in hard brine water.

Description

AMMONIA NH₄X COMPOSITIONS FOR USE WITH HARD BRINE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/950,724, filed March 10, 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Oil Recovery (abbreviated EOR) refers to techniques for increasing the amount of unrefined petroleum, or crude oil, which may be extracted from an oil reservoir (e.g., an oil field). Using EOR, 40-60% of the reservoir's original oil can typically be extracted compared with only 20-40% using primary and secondary recovery (e.g., by water injection or natural gas injection). Enhanced oil recovery may also be referred to as improved oil recovery or tertiary recovery (as opposed to primary and secondary recovery).

Enhanced oil recovery may be achieved by a variety of methods including miscible gas injection (which includes carbon dioxide flooding), chemical injection (which includes polymer flooding, alkaline flooding and surfactant flooding or any combination thereof), microbial injection, or thermal recovery (which includes cyclic steam, steam flooding, and fire flooding) or a combination of different injection methods (e.g., chemical injection and gas injection). The injection of various chemicals during chemical EOR, usually as dilute aqueous solutions, has been used to improve oil recovery. Injection of alkaline or caustic solutions into reservoirs with oil that has organic acids naturally occurring in the oil (also referred to herein as "unrefined petroleum acids") will result in the production of soap that may lower the interfacial tension enough to increase production. Injection of a dilute solution of a water soluble polymer to increase the viscosity of the injected water can increase the amount of oil recovered from geological formations. Aqueous solutions of surfactants such as petroleum sulfonates may be injected to lower the interfacial tension or capillary pressure that impedes oil droplets from moving through a reservoir. Special formulations of oil, water and surfactant microemulsions, have also proven useful. Application of these methods is usually limited by the cost of the chemicals and their adsorption and loss onto the rock of the oil containing formation.

Some unrefined petroleum contains carboxylic acids having, for example, CI 1 to C20 alkyl chains, including napthenic acid mixtures (also referred to herein as "unrefined petroleum acids"). The recovery of such "reactive" oils may be performed using alkali agents (e.g., NaOH or Na2C03) in a surfactant composition. The alkali reacts with the acid (unrefined petroleum acid) in the reactive oil to form soap. These soaps serve as an additional source of surfactants enabling the use of much lower level of surfactants initially added to effect enhanced oil recovery (EOR). However, when the available water supply is hard, the added alkali causes precipitation of cations, such as Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺. In order to prevent such precipitation an expensive chelant such as EDTA may be required in the surfactant composition or expensive water softening processes may be used. Applicants have developed surfactant formulations (e.g., alkoxy carboxylate surfactants), which can be effectively used for enhanced oil recovery in the absence of alkali agents. These surfactant formulations are particularly effective at neutral pH. However, at lower pH (e.g., pH 7 or lower) the non-alkaline surfactant formulations are associated with higher adsorption of the surfactant to the rock. At a pH above 7 (e.g., 8 or 9), on the other hand, the surfactant adsorption can only be significantly reduced for these surfactant formulations by addition of alkaline agents. However, where the water supply is hard, the above mentioned precipitation of divalent cations (e.g., Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺) due to the presence of alkali agents reduces surfactant solubility and therefore efficiency of the oil recovery process.

Therefore, there is a need in the art, particularly where the oil reservoir includes hard brine water, for alkali agents that increase the pH and reduce the adsorption of surfactant to the rock without causing precipitation of the Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺.

The compositions and methods provided herein overcome these and other needs in the art. Therefore, the methods and compositions provided are particularly useful for cost effective enhanced oil recovery using chemical injection.

SUMMARY

Provided herein, in a first aspect, is an aqueous composition including water, a surfactant, an ammonia compound and an ammonium salt or a salt blend of said ammonium salt. The salt blend includes a plurality of chemically different ammonium salts; and the molar ratio of said ammonia compound to said ammonium salt or said salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 0.1 : 1. The ammonia compound is R¾2N, (R³)2HN, (R³)3N, or NH3, wherein R³ is independently unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl.

Also provided herein is an emulsion composition that includes an unrefined petroleum phase, an aqueous phase, a surfactant, an ammonia compound, and an ammonium salt or a salt blend of said ammonium salt. The salt blend includes a plurality of chemically different ammonium salts, where the molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 0.1 : 1. The ammonia compound is R¾2N, (R³)2HN, (R³)3N, or NH3, wherein R³ is independently unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl.

Provided herein are methods of displacing a hydrocarbon material in contact with a solid material. In an aspect, the method includes contacting a hydrocarbon material with an aqueous composition as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The hydrocarbon material is in contact with a solid material and allowed to separate from the solid material thereby displacing the hydrocarbon material in contact with the solid material.

Provided herein are methods of converting an unrefined petroleum acid into a surfactant. In an aspect, the method includes contacting a petroleum material with an aqueous composition as described herein, including embodiments thereof, thereby forming an emulsion in contact with the petroleum material. The unrefined petroleum acid within the unrefined petroleum material is allowed to enter into the emulsion, thereby converting the unrefined petroleum acid into a surfactant.

Provided herein are methods for increasing the solubility of a viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer in hard brine water. In one aspect the method includes contacting the hard brine water with an ammonia compound and an ammonium salt or a salt blend of the ammonium salt, where the salt blend includes a plurality of chemically different ammonium salts, thereby increasing said solubility of said enhancing water soluble polymer in hard brine water. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or said salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 0.1 : 1. The ammonia compound is R¾2N, (R³)2HN, (R³)3N, or NH3, wherein R³ is independently unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl.

Provided herein are methods for increasing the solubility of Ca²⁺ in hard brine water. In one aspect the method includes contacting the hard brine water with an ammonia compound and an ammonium salt or a salt blend of the ammonium salt, where the salt blend includes a plurality of chemically different ammonium salts, thereby increasing said solubility of said Ca²⁺ in hard brine water. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or said salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 0.1 : 1. The ammonia compound is R¾2N, (R³)2HN, (R³)3N, or NH3, wherein R³ is independently unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1: Comparison of PHREEQC and experimental data for NH₄ acetate and NH3 mixtures.

Figure 2: Comparison of PHREEQC and experimental data for NH₄Q and NH3 mixtures.

Figure 3: Graph showing the stability of divalent metal ions.

Figure 4: Schematic diagram showing reactions in the NH₄-CH3COONH₄ system. Figure 5: Graphs showing the amount of NH₄-X salt at varying temperature, pH, and magnesium concentration.

Figure 6: Graph showing the phase behavior of NH₄-COONH₄ in hard brine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The abbreviations used herein have their conventional meaning within the chemical and biological arts. The chemical structures and formulae set forth herein are constructed according to the standard rules of chemical valency known in the chemical arts.

Where substituent groups are specified by their conventional chemical formulae, written from left to right, they equally encompass the chemically identical substituents that would result from writing the structure from right to left, e.g., -CH2O- is equivalent to -OCH2-.

The term "alkyl," by itself or as part of another substituent, means, unless otherwise stated, a straight (i.e., unbranched) or branched carbon chain (or carbon), or combination thereof, which may be fully saturated, mono- or polyunsaturated and can include di- and multivalent radicals, having the number of carbon atoms designated (i.e., C1-C10 means one to ten carbons). Alkyl is not cyclized. Examples of saturated hydrocarbon radicals include, but are not limited to, groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, sec -butyl, (cyclohexyl)methyl, homologs and isomers of, for example, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, and the like. An unsaturated alkyl group is one having one or more double bonds or triple bonds (e.g., alkene, alkyne). Examples of unsaturated alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, vinyl, 2-propenyl, crotyl, 2-isopentenyl, 2-(butadienyl), 2,4-pentadienyl, 3-(l,4-pentadienyl), ethynyl, 1- and 3-propynyl, 3-butynyl, and the higher homologs and isomers. An alkoxy is an alkyl attached to the remainder of the molecule via an oxygen linker (-0-).

The term "alkylene," by itself or as part of another substituent, means, unless otherwise stated, a divalent radical derived from an alkyl, as exemplified, but not limited by, - CH2CH2CH2CH2-. Typically, an alkyl (or alkylene) group will have from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, with those groups having 10 or fewer carbon atoms being preferred in the present invention. A "lower alkyl" or "lower alkylene" is a shorter chain alkyl or alkylene group, generally having eight or fewer carbon atoms. The term "alkenylene," by itself or as part of another substituent, means, unless otherwise stated, a divalent radical derived from an alkene.

The term "heteroalkyl," by itself or in combination with another term, means, unless otherwise stated, a stable straight or branched chain, or combinations thereof, including at least one carbon atom and at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of O, N, P, Si, and S, and wherein the nitrogen and sulfur atoms may optionally be oxidized, and the nitrogen heteroatom may optionally be quaternized. Heteroalkyl is not cyclized. The heteroatom(s) O, N, P, S, and Si may be placed at any interior position of the heteroalkyl group or at the position at which the alkyl group is attached to the remainder of the molecule. Examples include, but are not limited to: -CH2-CH2-O-CH3, -CH2-CH2-NH-CH3, -CH2-CH₂-N(CH₃)-CH3, -CH2-S-CH2- CH3, -CH2-CH2, -S(0)-CH₃, -CH₂-CH₂-S(0)₂-CH3, -CH=CH-0-CH₃, -Si(CH₃)3, -CH₂-CH=N- OCH3, -CH=CH-N(CH₃)-CH3, -O-CH3, -0-CH₂-CH₃, and -CN. Up to two or three heteroatoms may be consecutive, such as, for example, -CH₂-NH-OCH3 and -CH₂-0-Si(CH3)3.

Similarly, the term "heteroalkylene," by itself or as part of another substituent, means, unless otherwise stated, a divalent radical derived from heteroalkyl, as exemplified, but not limited by, -CH₂-CH₂-S-CH₂-CH₂- and -CH₂-S-CH₂-CH₂-NH-CH₂-. For heteroalkylene groups, heteroatoms can also occupy either or both of the chain termini (e.g., alkyleneoxy,

alkylenedioxy, alkyleneamino, alkylenediamino, and the like). Still further, for alkylene and heteroalkylene linking groups, no orientation of the linking group is implied by the direction in which the formula of the linking group is written. For example, the formula -C(0)₂R'- represents both -C(0)₂R'- and -R'C(0)₂-. As described above, heteroalkyl groups, as used herein, include those groups that are attached to the remainder of the molecule through a heteroatom, such as - C(0)R, -C(0)NR, -NR'R", -OR, -SR, and/or -S0₂R. Where "heteroalkyl" is recited, followed by recitations of specific heteroalkyl groups, such as -NR'R" or the like, it will be understood that the terms heteroalkyl and -NR'R" are not redundant or mutually exclusive. Rather, the specific heteroalkyl groups are recited to add clarity. Thus, the term "heteroalkyl" should not be interpreted herein as excluding specific heteroalkyl groups, such as -NR'R" or the like.

The terms "cycloalkyl" and "heterocycloalkyl," by themselves or in combination with other terms, mean, unless otherwise stated, cyclic versions of "alkyl" and "heteroalkyl," respectively. Additionally, for heterocycloalkyl, a heteroatom can occupy the position at which the heterocycle is attached to the remainder of the molecule. Cycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl are non-aromatic. Examples of cycloalkyl include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, 1 -cyclohexenyl, 3-cyclohexenyl, cycloheptyl, and the like. Examples of heterocycloalkyl include, but are not limited to, l-(l,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridyl), 1- piperidinyl, 2-piperidinyl, 3-piperidinyl, 4-morpholinyl, 3-morpholinyl, tetrahydrofuran-2-yl, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, tetrahydrothien-2-yl, tetrahydrothien-3-yl, 1 -piperazinyl, 2-piperazinyl, and the like. A "cycloalkylene" and a "heterocycloalkylene," alone or as part of another substituent, means a divalent radical derived from a cycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl, respectively.

The terms "halo" or "halogen," by themselves or as part of another substituent, mean, unless otherwise stated, a fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine atom. Additionally, terms such as "haloalkyl" are meant to include monohaloalkyl and polyhaloalkyl. For example, the term "halo(Ci-C4)alkyl" includes, but is not limited to, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 4-chlorobutyl, 3-bromopropyl, and the like. The term "acyl" means, unless otherwise stated, -C(0)R where R is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

The term "aryl" means, unless otherwise stated, a polyunsaturated, aromatic, hydrocarbon substituent, which can be a single ring or multiple rings (preferably from 1 to 3 rings) that are fused together (i.e., a fused ring aryl) or linked covalently. A fused ring aryl refers to multiple rings fused together wherein at least one of the fused rings is an aryl ring. The term "heteroaryl" refers to aryl groups (or rings) that contain at least one heteroatom such as N, O, or S, wherein the nitrogen and sulfur atoms are optionally oxidized, and the nitrogen atom(s) are optionally quaternized. Thus, the term "heteroaryl" includes fused ring heteroaryl groups (i.e., multiple rings fused together wherein at least one of the fused rings is a heteroaromatic ring). A 5,6-fused ring heteroarylene refers to two rings fused together, wherein one ring has 5 members and the other ring has 6 members, and wherein at least one ring is a heteroaryl ring. Likewise, a 6,6-fused ring heteroarylene refers to two rings fused together, wherein one ring has 6 members and the other ring has 6 members, and wherein at least one ring is a heteroaryl ring. And a 6,5-fused ring heteroarylene refers to two rings fused together, wherein one ring has 6 members and the other ring has 5 members, and wherein at least one ring is a heteroaryl ring. A heteroaryl group can be attached to the remainder of the molecule through a carbon or heteroatom. Non- limiting examples of aryl and heteroaryl groups include phenyl, 1 -naphthyl, 2- naphthyl, 4-biphenyl, 1 -pyrrolyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrazolyl, 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, pyrazinyl, 2-oxazolyl, 4-oxazolyl, 2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl, 5-oxazolyl, 3-isoxazolyl, 4-isoxazolyl, 5-isoxazolyl, 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, 5-thiazolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 2-pyrimidyl, 4-pyrimidyl, 5-benzothiazolyl, purinyl, 2-benzimidazolyl, 5- indolyl, 1 -isoquinolyl, 5-isoquinolyl, 2-quinoxalinyl, 5-quinoxalinyl, 3-quinolyl, and 6-quinolyl. Substituents for each of the above noted aryl and heteroaryl ring systems are selected from the group of acceptable substituents described below. An "arylene" and a "heteroarylene," alone or as part of another substituent, mean a divalent radical derived from an aryl and heteroaryl, respectively. Non- limiting examples of heteroaryl groups include pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, thiophenyl, thienyl, furanyl, indolyl, benzoxadiazolyl, benzodioxolyl, benzodioxanyl, thianaphthanyl, pyrrolopyridinyl, indazolyl, quinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, pyridopyrazinyl, quinazolinonyl, benzoisoxazolyl, imidazopyridinyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl,

benzothiophenyl, phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazinyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, furylthienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, benzothiazolyl, purinyl, benzimidazolyl, isoquinolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrrolyl, diazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolopyrimidinyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, benzotriazolyl, benzoxazolyl, or quinolyl. The examples above may be substituted or unsubstituted and divalent radicals of each heteroaryl example above are non- limiting examples of heteroarylene.

A fused ring heterocyloalkyl-aryl is an aryl fused to a heterocycloalkyl. A fused ring heterocycloalkyl-heteroaryl is a heteroaryl fused to a heterocycloalkyl. A fused ring

heterocycloalkyl-cycloalkyl is a heterocycloalkyl fused to a cycloalkyl. A fused ring heterocycloalkyl-heterocycloalkyl is a heterocycloalkyl fused to another heterocycloalkyl.

Fused ring heterocycloalkyl-aryl, fused ring heterocycloalkyl-heteroaryl, fused ring

heterocycloalkyl-cycloalkyl, or fused ring heterocycloalkyl-heterocycloalkyl may each independently be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more of the substitutents described herein.

As used herein, the terms "heteroatom" or "ring heteroatom" are meant to include, oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), and silicon (Si).

The term "oxo," as used herein, means an oxygen that is double bonded to a carbon atom.

Each R-group as provided in the formulae provided herein can appear more than once. Where a R-group appears more than once each R group can be optionally different.

The symbol 'W denotes the point of attachment of a chemical moiety to the remainder of a molecule or chemical formula.

The term "contacting" as used herein, refers to materials or compounds being sufficiently close in proximity to react or interact. For example, in methods of contacting a hydrocarbon material bearing formation and/or a well bore, the term "contacting" includes placing an aqueous composition (e. g. chemical, surfactant or polymer) within a hydrocarbon material bearing formation using any suitable manner known in the art (e.g., pumping, injecting, pouring, releasing, displacing, spotting or circulating the chemical into a well, well bore or hydrocarbon bearing formation).

The terms "unrefined petroleum" and "crude oil" are used interchangeably and in keeping with the plain ordinary usage of those terms. "Unrefined petroleum" and "crude oil" may be found in a variety of petroleum reservoirs (also referred to herein as a "reservoir," "oil field deposit" "deposit" and the like) and in a variety of forms including oleaginous materials , oil shales (i.e., organic-rich fine-grained sedimentary rock), tar sands, light oil deposits, heavy oil deposits, and the like. "Crude oils" or "unrefined petroleums" generally refer to a mixture of naturally occurring hydrocarbons that may be refined into diesel, gasoline, heating oil, jet fuel, kerosene, and other products called fuels or petrochemicals. Crude oils or unrefined petroleums are named according to their contents and origins, and are classified according to their per unit weight (specific gravity). Heavier crudes generally yield more heat upon burning, but have lower gravity as defined by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and market price in comparison to light (or sweet) crude oils. Crude oil may also be characterized by its Equivalent Alkane Carbon Number (EACN).

Crude oils vary widely in appearance and viscosity from field to field. They range in color, odor, and in the properties they contain. While all crude oils are mostly hydrocarbons, the differences in properties, especially the variation in molecular structure, determine whether a crude oil is more or less easy to produce, pipeline, and refine. The variations may even influence its suitability for certain products and the quality of those products. Crude oils are roughly classified into three groups, according to the nature of the hydrocarbons they contain, (i) Paraffin based crude oils contain higher molecular weight paraffins, which are solid at room temperature, but little or no asphaltic (bituminous) matter. They can produce high-grade lubricating oils, (ii) Asphaltene based crude oils contain large proportions of asphaltic matter, and little or no paraffin. Some are predominantly naphthenes and so yield lubricating oils that are more sensitive to temperature changes than the paraffin-based crudes, (iii) Mixed based crude oils contain both paraffin and naphthenes, as well as aromatic hydrocarbons. Most crude oils fit this latter category.

"Heavy crude oils" as provided herein are crude oils, with an API gravity of less than 20. The heavy crude oils may have a viscosity greater than 100 cP. In embodiments, the heavy crude oil has a viscosity of at least 100 cP. In embodiments, the heavy crude oil has a viscosity of at least 1,000 cP. In embodiments, the heavy crude oil has a viscosity of at 25 least 10,000 cP. In embodiments, the heavy crude oil has a viscosity of at least 100,000 cP. In embodiments, the heavy crude oil has a viscosity of at least 1,000,000 cP.

"Reactive" or "active" heavy crude oil as referred to herein is heavy crude oil containing natural organic acidic components (also referred to herein as unrefined petroleum acid) or their precursors such as esters or lactones. These reactive heavy crude oils can generate soaps (carboxylates, surfactants) when reacted with alkali or an organic base. More terms used interchangeably for heavy crude oil throughout this disclosure are hydrocarbon material or reactive petroleum material. An "oil bank" or "oil cut" as referred to herein, is the heavy crude oil that does not contain the injected chemicals and is pushed by the injected fluid during an enhanced oil recovery process.

"Unrefined petroleum acids" as referred to herein are carboxylic acids contained in active petroleum material (reactive heavy crude oil). The unrefined petroleum acids contain Cn to C20 alkyl chains, including napthenic acid mixtures. The recovery of such "reactive" oils may be performed using alkali, as described herein, including embodiments thereof, in a surfactant composition. The alkali reacts with the acid in the reactive oil to form soap in situ. These in situ generated soaps serve as a source of surfactants enabling efficient oil recovery from the reservoir as well as heavy crude oil transport.

The term "polymer" refers to a molecule having a structure that essentially includes the multiple repetitions of units derived, actually or conceptually, from molecules of low relative molecular mass. In embodiments, the polymer is an oligomer.

The term "bonded" refers to having at least one of covalent bonding, hydrogen bonding, ionic bonding, Van der Waals interactions, pi interactions, London forces or electrostatic interactions.

The term "productivity" as applied to a petroleum or oil well refers to the capacity of a well to produce hydrocarbons (e.g., unrefined petroleum); that is, the ratio of the hydrocarbon flow rate to the pressure drop, where the pressure drop is the difference between the average reservoir pressure and the flowing bottom hole well pressure (i.e., flow per unit of driving force).

The term "oil solubilization ratio" is defined as the volume of oil solubilized divided by the volume of surfactant in microemulsion. All the surfactant is presumed to be in the microemulsion phase. The oil solubilization ratio is applied for Winsor type I and type III behavior. The volume of oil solubilized is found by reading the change between initial aqueous level and excess oil (top) interface level. The oil solubilization ratio is calculated as follows: σ o

s wherein

oil solubilization ratio;

Vo volume of oil solubilized;

volume of surfactant.

The term "water solubilization ratio" is defined as the volume of water solubilized divided by the volume of surfactant in microemulsion. All the surfactant is presumed to be in the microemulsion phase. The water solubilization ratio is applied for Winsor type III and type II behavior. The volume of water solubilized is found by reading the change between initial aqueous level and excess water (bottom) interface level. The water solubilization parameter is calculated as follows:

, wherein Ow = water solubilization ratio;

Vw = volume of water solubilized.

The optimum solubilization ratio occurs where the oil and water solubilization ratios are equal. The coarse nature of phase behavior screening often does not include a data point at optimum, so the solubilization ratio curves are drawn for the oil and water solubilization ratio data and the intersection of these two curves is defined as the optimum. The following is true for the optimum solubilization ratio:

σο = ow = o*;

o* = optimum solubilization ratio.

The term "solubility" or "solubilization" in general refers to the property of a solute, which can be a solid, liquid or gas, to dissolve in a solid, liquid or gaseous solvent thereby forming a homogenous solution of the solute in the solvent. Solubility occurs under dynamic equilibrium, which means that solubility results from the simultaneous and opposing processes of dissolution and phase joining (e.g., precipitation of solids). The solubility equilibrium occurs when the two processes proceed at a constant rate. The solubility of a given solute in a given solvent typically depends on temperature. For many solids dissolved in liquid water, the solubility increases with temperature. In liquid water at high temperatures, the solubility of ionic solutes tends to decrease due to the change of properties and structure of liquid water. In more particular, solubility and solubilization as referred to herein is the property of oil to dissolve in water and vice versa.

"Viscosity" refers to a fluid's internal resistance to flow or being deformed by shear or tensile stress. In other words, viscosity may be defined as thickness or internal friction of a liquid. Thus, water is "thin", having a lower viscosity, while oil is "thick," having a higher viscosity. More generally, the less viscous a fluid is, the greater its ease of fluidity.

The term "salinity" as used herein, refers to concentration of salt dissolved in a aqueous phases. Examples for such salts are without limitation, sodium chloride, magnesium and calcium sulfates, and bicarbonates. In more particular, the term salinity as it pertains to the present invention refers to the concentration of salts in brine and surfactant solutions.

An "alkali agent" is used according to its conventional meaning and includes basic, ionic salts of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals. Alkali agents as provided herein are typically capable of reacting with an unrefined petroleum acid (e.g., the acid in crude oil (reactive oil)) to form soap (a surfactant salt of a fatty acid) in situ. These in situ generated soaps serve as a source of surfactants causing a reduction of the interfacial tension of the oil in water emulsion, thereby reducing the viscosity of the emulsion. Examples of alkali agents useful for the provided invention include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium silicate, sodium metaborate, sodium orthosilicate and EDTA tetrasodium salt. In embodiments, the alkali is not sodium hydroxide.

A "co-solvent" refers to a compound having the ability to increase the solubility of a solute in the presence of an unrefined petroleum acid. In embodiments, the co-solvents provided herein have a hydrophobic portion (alkyl or aryl chain), a hydrophilic portion (e.g., an alcohol) and optionally an alkoxy portion. Co-solvents as provided herein include alcohols (e.g., 25 G-C6 alcohols, G-C6 diols ), alkoxy alcohols (e.g., G-C6 alkoxy alcohols, G-G alkoxy diols, phenyl alkoxy alcohols), glycol ether, glycol and glycerol.

A "microemulsion" as referred to herein is a thermodynamically stable mixture of oil, water, and a stabilizing agents such as a surfactant or a co-solvent that may also include additional components such as alkali agents, polymers (e.g., water-soluble polymers) and a salt. In contrast, a "macroemulsion" as referred to herein is a thermodynamically unstable mixture of oil and water that may also include additional components. An "emulsion" as referred to herein may be a microemulsion or a macroemulsion.

Aqueous compositions

Provided herein, inter alia, are aqueous compositions and method of using the same for a variety of applications, including enhanced oil recovery ("EOR"). The aqueous compositions provided herein can include water, a surfactant, ammonia compound and an ammonium salt or a salt blend of the ammonium salt. The salt blend includes a plurality of chemically different ammonium salts where the molar ratio of ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 0.1 : 1. The ammonia compound can have the formula R³H2N, (R³)2HN, (R³)3N, or NH3, wherein R³ is independently unsubstituted G-G alkyl. In embodiments, R³ is independently unsubstituted C 1 -C3 alkyl. R³ may independently be methyl, ethyl, or propyl. R³ may independently be methyl or ethyl. R³ may independently be methyl. R³ may independently be ethyl. R³ may independently be propyl. In embodiments, the ammonia compound is NH₂(CH₃), NH₂(CH₂CH₃), NH(CH₃)₂, NH(CH₂CH₃)₂,

NH(CH₃)(CH2CH₃), N(CH₃)₃, or NH(CH2CH₃)₃. In embodiments, the ammonia compound is NH₃. In embodiments, the ammonia compound is not NH₃.

The aqueous compositions can be used with broad oil concentrations, at a wide range of salinities and are surprisingly effective in the presence of hard brine water. The aqueous compositions provided herein may be functional at high reservoir temperatures and particularly at alkaline pH (e.g., pH of about 8.5 to about 9.9). In reservoirs where hard brine water is used, the compound of the present aqueous composition may prevent surfactant precipitation and minimize surfactant adsorption to solid reservoir material (e.g., rock). Therefore, the surfactant may be made readily available to react with (e.g., mobilize) the organic acids in the oil, resulting in the formation of soap that may lower the interfacial tension enough to increase oil production from the well. The compositions provided herein are useful for the recovery of active and nonactive crude oils alike. In embodiments of the compositions herein, the water is hard brine.

In embodiments, the molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend is from about 5: 1 to about 0.1 : 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 3: 1 to about 0.1 : 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 2: 1 to about 0.1 : 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 1 : 1 to about 0.1 : 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 10: 1 to about 0.5: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 5: 1 to about 0.5: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 4: 1 to about 0.5: 1. The molar ratio ofthe ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 3: l to about 0.5: l . The molar ratio ofthe ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 2: 1 to about 0.5: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 1 : 1 to about 0.5: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 5: 1 to about 0.4: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 5: 1 to about 0.3: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 5: 1 to about 0.2: 1.

In embodiments, the molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 1 : 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 5: 1 to about 1 : 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 4: 1 to about 1 : 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 3 : 1 to about 1 : 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be from about 2: 1 to about 1 : 1.

In embodiments, the molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend is about 10: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 9: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 8: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 7: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 6: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 5: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 4: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 3: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 2: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 1 : 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 0.5: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 0.4: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 0.3: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 0.2: 1. The molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend may be about 0.1 : 1.

In embodiments, the molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend adjusts the pH to between about 8.5 to about 9.9. In embodiments, the molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend is dependent upon the salinity of the solution as described herein to maintain a pH between about 8.5 to about 9.9.

In embodiments, the ammonium salt has the formula NH4⁺X^1_. X^1" is CI^" , Br, Γ, SO4^", substituted or unsubstituted alkyl sulfonate, substituted or unsubstituted aryl sulfonate, or

O

R 1¹— C "— 0 _(I)

R¹ is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. R¹ may be hydrogen, unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl-substituted C1-C4 alkyl, carboxyl-substituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl-substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl, carboxyl-substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl, or unsubstituted aryl.

As used herein, the term "alkyl sulfonate" refers to a compound having an alkyl group attached to -SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium. In

embodiments, the alkyl group of the alkyl sulfonate is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., C1-C5 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl), substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl (e.g., 2 to 6 membered substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl), substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl (e.g., 3 to 6 membered substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl), substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclo alkyl (e.g., 5 to 7 membered substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl), substituted or unsubstituted aryl (e.g., 5 to 7 membered substituted or unsubstituted aryl), or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., 5 tO 7 membered substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl). In embodiments, the alkyl group is unsubstituted. An "aryl sulfonate" as used herein refers to a compound having an aryl group attached to -SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium. In embodiments, the aryl group is phenyl.

X^1" may be an unsubstituted alkyl sulfonate having, for example, the formula

CH3(CH2)nS03^", where the symbol n is an integer between 0 and 1 1) The symbol n may be 1. The symbol n may be 2. The symbol n may be 3. The symbol n may be 4. The symbol n may be 5. The symbol n may be 6. The symbol n may be 7. The symbol n may be 8. The symbol n may be 9. The symbol n may be 10. The symbol n may be l l . X^1" may be substituted alkyl sulfonate, where the alkyl sulfonate is substituted as described above (e.g., PhSCb^"). X^1_ may be an aryl sulfonate. X^1" may be CI^", Br, or Γ. X^1" may be CI^". X^1" may be Br. X' may be T. X^1" may be SO4^".

In embodiments, R¹ is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl. R¹ may be unsubstituted alkyl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted Ci- Ci5 alkyl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted Ci-Cs alkyl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl. R¹ may be methyl. R¹ may be carboxyl-substituted C1-C4 alkyl. A carboxyl-substituted C1-C4 alkyl may have more than one carboxyl group (e.g., 1-4).

In embodiments, R¹ is -(CH₂)_z-OH, wherein z is an integer from 1 to 3. Z may be 1 (e.g.,

-CH2-OH). Z may be 2 (e.g., -(CH₂)2-OH). Z may be 3 (e.g., -(CH₂)3-OH).

In embodiments, R¹ is substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl. R¹ may be unsubstituted heteroalkyl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 2 to 20 membered heteroalkyl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 2 to 10 membered heteroalkyl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 2 to 8 membered heteroalkyl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 2 to 6 membered heteroalkyl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 2 to 5 membered heteroalkyl. R¹ may be hydroxyl-substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl. In embodiments, a hydroxyl- substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl is a polyhydroxyl-substituted heteroalky (e.g., having at least 2 hydroxyl groups). In embodiments, a carboxyl-substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl is a polycarboxyl-substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl (e.g., having at least 2 carboxyl groups).

In embodiments, R¹ is substituted or unsubstituted aryl. R¹ may be unsubstituted aryl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 5 to 20 membered aryl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 5 to 10 membered aryl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 5 to 8 membered aryl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 5 to 7 membered aryl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 5 or 6 membered aryl.

In embodiments, R¹ is substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. R¹ may be unsubstituted heteroaryl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 5 to 20 membered heteroaryl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 5 to 10 membered heteroaryl. R¹ may be substituted or

unsubstituted 5 to 8 membered heteroaryl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 5 to 7 membered heteroaryl. R¹ may be substituted or unsubstituted 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl.

In embodiments, the compound of formula (I) is ammonium glycolate, ammonium hydoxy propionate, ammonium hydroxy butlyrate, ammonium succinate, ammonium citrate, ammonium benzoate, ammonium phthalate, ammonium formate, ammonium acetate, or ammonium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (i.e., ammonium-EDTA).

In embodiments, the salt blend includes a first ammonium salt having the formula NH4⁺X^1_ and a second ammonium salt having the formula NH4⁺Y^1_. X^1" is CI^", Br, Γ, SO4^", substituted or unsubstituted alkyl sulfonate, substituted or unsubstituted aryl sulfonate, or

O

R ,_ CΙΙ_O _R ⁱ _{is unsu}bstituted C1-C4 alkyl. YWs CI^", Br, Γ, SO4^", substituted or

O

₂_ ll _

unsubstituted alkyl sulfonate, substituted or unsubstituted aryl sulfonate, or ^R C O ^ R² is unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl.

In embodiments, the salt blend includes a first ammonium salt having the formula

O

,_W_„ NH4⁺X^1_ and a second ammonium salt having the formula NH4⁺Y^1_. X^1" is CI^" or ^{R c} ^

O

₂ II

(I). R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl. YWs CI^" or ^{R c 0} (II). R² is unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl.

In embodiments, X¹ is a compound of formula (I) and Y^1" is C1-. In embodiments, X¹ is a compound of formula (I) and Y^1" is a compound of formula (II), where R¹ and R² are different. In embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is methyl. Thus in X¹ may be a compound of formula (I), where R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl or methyl.

In embodiments, the ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.05% w/w to at least 10% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.15% w/w to at least 10% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.2% w/w to at least 10% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 10% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.3% w/w to at least 10% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.4% w/w to at least 10% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.5% w/w to at least 10% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 1% w/w to at least 10% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 5% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 4% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 3% w/w.

In embodiments, the ammonium salt or salt blend is present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 2% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 1.9% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 1.8% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 1.7% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 1.6% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 1.5% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 1.4% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 1.3% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 1.2% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 1.1% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 1% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 0.75% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w to at least 0.5% w/w.

The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.3% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.4% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.5% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.6% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.7% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.75% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.8% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 0.9% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 1 % w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 1.25% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 1.5% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 1.75% w/w. The ammonium salt or salt blend may be present at a concentration of at least 2% w/w. A person of ordinary skill in the art will immediately recognize that the above referenced values refer to weight percent of compound per weight of aqueous composition.

The aqueous composition provided herein including embodiments thereof may include a surfactant or a combination of multiple surfactants (e.g., a plurality of surfactant types or a surfactant blend). The surfactant provided herein may be any appropriate surfactant useful in the field of enhanced oil recovery. In embodiments, the surfactant is a single surfactant type in the aqueous composition. In embodiments, the surfactant is a surfactant blend. A "surfactant blend" as provided herein is a mixture of a plurality of surfactant types. In embodiments, the surfactant blend includes a first surfactant type, a second surfactant type, or a third surfactant type. The first, second and third surfactant type may be independently different (e.g., anionic or cationic surfactants; or two cationic surfactant having a different hydrocarbon chain length but are otherwise the same). Thus, the aqueous composition may include a first surfactant, a second surfactant and a third surfactant, wherein the first surfactant is chemically different from the second and the third surfactant, and the second surfactant is chemically different from the third surfactant. Therefore, a person having ordinary skill in the art will immediately recognize that the terms "surfactant" and "surfactant type(s)" have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. In embodiments, the surfactant is an anionic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant or a cationic surfactant. In embodiments, the surfactant is an anionic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, or a cationic surfactant. In embodiments, the co-surfactant is a zwitterionic surfactant. "Zwitterionic" or "zwitterion" as used herein refers to a neutral molecule with a positive (or cationic) and a negative (or anionic) electrical charge at different locations within the same molecule. Examples for zwitterionics are without limitation betains and sultains.

The surfactant provided herein may be any appropriate anionic surfactant. In embodiments, the surfactant is an anionic surfactant. In embodiments, the anionic surfactant is an anionic surfactant blend. Where the anionic surfactant is an anionic surfactant blend the aqueous composition includes a plurality (i.e., more than one) of anionic surfactant types. In embodiments, the anionic surfactant is an alkoxy carboxylate surfactant, an alkoxy sulfate surfactant, an alkoxy sulfonate surfactant, an alkyl sulfonate surfactant, an aryl sulfonate surfactant or an olefin sulfonate surfactant. An "alkoxy carboxylate surfactant" as provided herein is a compound having an alkyl or aryl attached to one or more alkoxylene groups (typically -CH₂-CH(ethyl)-0-, -CH₂-CH(methyl)-0-, or -CH2-CH2-O-) which, in turn is attached to -COO^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium. In

embodiments, the alkoxy carboxylate surfactant has the formula:

In formula (III) or (IV) R¹ is substituted or unsubstituted C8-C150 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, R² is independently hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, R³ is

independently hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, n is an integer from 2 to 210, z is an integer from 1 to 6 and M⁺ is a monovalent, divalent or trivalent cation. In embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted linear or branched C8-C36 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (III) or (IV) is (C6H5-CH₂CH₂)3C6H2-(TSP), (C6H₅-CH₂CH₂)₂C₆H3- (DSP), (C6H₅-CH₂CH₂)iC₆H4- (MSP), or substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl. In embodiments, the alkoxy carboxylate is C₂8-25PO- 25EO-carboxylate (i.e., unsubstituted C₂8 alkyl attached to 25 -CH₂-CH(methyl)-0-linkers, attached in turn to 25 -CH₂-CH₂-0- linkers, attached in turn to -COO^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium).

In embodiments, the surfactant is an alkoxy sulfate surfactant. An alkoxy sulfate surfactant as provided herein is a surfactant having an alkyl or aryl attached to one or more alkoxylene groups (typically -CH₂-CH(ethyl)-0-, -CH₂-CH(methyl)-0-, or -CH₂-CH₂-0-) which, in turn is attached to -SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium. In embodiments, the alkoxy sulfate surfactant has the formula R^A-(BO)e-(PO)f-(EO)_g-S03^" or acid or salt (including metal cations such as sodium) thereof, wherein R^A is C8-C30 alkyl, BO is -CH₂-CH(ethyl)-0-, PO is -CH₂-CH(methyl)-0-, and EO is -CH₂-CH₂-0-. The symbols e, f and g are integers from 0 to 25 wherein at least one is not zero. In embodiments, the alkoxy sulfate surfactant is Ci5- 13PO-sulfate (i.e., an unsubstituted C15 alkyl attached to 13 -CH2- CH(methyl)-0- linkers, in turn attached to -SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium). In embodiments, the alkoxy sulfate surfactant is Ci3- 13PO-sulfate (i.e., an unsubstituted C13 alkyl attached to 13 -CH₂-CH(methyl)-0- linkers, in turn attached to -SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium).

In embodiments, the alkoxy sulfate surfactant has the formula:

In formula (V) R¹ and R² are independently substituted or unsubstituted Cs-Ciso alkyl substituted or unsubstituted aryl. R³ is independently hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl. 0₃

monovalent, divalent or trivalent cation. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (V) is branched unsubstituted C8-C150. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (V) is branched or linear unsubstituted C12-C100 alkyl,

(DSP), (C₆H₅- CH2CH2)iC6H4- (MSP), or substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl. In embodiments, the alkoxy sulfate is Ci6-Ci6-epoxide- 15PO- 10EO-sulfate (i.e., a linear unsubstituted Ci6 alkyl attached to an oxygen, which in turn is attached to a branched unsubstituted Ci6 alkyl, which in turn is attached to 15 -CH2-CH(methyl)-0- linkers, in turn attached to 10 -CH2-CH2-O- linkers, in turn attached to -SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium.

The alkoxy sulfate surfactant provided herein may be an aryl alkoxy sulfate surfactant. An aryl alkoxy surfactant as provided herein is an alkoxy surfactant having an aryl attached to one or more alkoxylene groups (typically -CH2-CH(ethyl)-0-, -CH2-CH(methyl)-0-, or -CH2-CH2-O-) which, in turn is attached to -SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium. In embodiments, the aryl alkoxy sulfate surfactant is

(C6H₅-CH₂CH2)3C6H2-7PO- 10EO-sulfate (i.e., tri-styrylphenol attached to 7 -CH₂-CH(methyl)- O- linkers, in turn attached to 10 -CH2-CH2-O- linkers, in turn attached to -SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium).

In embodiments, the surfactant is an unsubstituted alkyl sulfate or an unsubstituted alkyl sulfonate surfactant. An alkyl sulfate surfactant as provided herein is a surfactant having an alkyl group attached to -O-SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium. An alkyl sulfonate surfactant as provided herein is a surfactant having an alkyl group attached to -SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium. In embodiments, the surfactant is an unsubstituted aryl sulfate surfactant or an unsubstituted aryl sulfonate surfactant. An aryl sulfate surfactant as provided herein is a surfactant having an aryl group attached to -O- SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium. An aryl sulfonate surfactant as provided herein is a surfactant having an aryl group attached to -SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium. In embodiments, the surfactant is an alkyl aryl sulfonate. Non-limiting examples of alkyl sulfate surfactants, aryl sulfate surfactants, alkyl sulfonate surfactants, aryl sulfonate surfactants and alkyl aryl sulfonate surfactants useful in the embodiments provided herein are alkyl aryl sulfonates (ARS) (e.g., alkyl benzene sulfonate (ABS)), alkane sulfonates, petroleum sulfonates, and alkyl diphenyl oxide (di) sulfonates.

Additional surfactants useful in the embodiments provided herein are alcohol sulfates, alcohol phosphates, alkoxy phosphate, sulfosuccinate esters, alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl phenol ethoxylates, quaternary ammonium salts, betains and sultains.

The surfactant as provided herein may be an olefin sulfonate surfactant. In embodiments, the olefin sulfonate surfactant is an internal olefin sulfonate (IOS) or an alfa olefin sulfonate

(AOS). In embodiments, the olefin sulfonate surfactant is a C10-C30 (IOS). In embodiments, the olefin sulfonate surfactant is C15-C18 IOS. In embodiments, the olefin sulfonate surfactant is C19-C28 IOS. Where the olefin sulfonate surfactant is C15-C18 IOS, the olefin sulfonate surfactant is a mixture (combination) of C15, Ci6, C17 and Ci8 alkene, wherein each alkene is attached to a - SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium. Likewise, where the olefin sulfonate surfactant is C19-C28 IOS, the olefin sulfonate surfactant is a mixture (combination) of Ci9, C20, C21 C22, C23, C24, C25, C26, C27 and C28 alkene, wherein each alkene is attached to a - SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium. In embodiments, the olefin sulfonate surfactant is C19-C23 IOS. As mentioned above, the aqueous composition provided herein may include a plurality of surfactants (i.e., a surfactant blend). In embodiments, the surfactant blend includes a first olefin sulfonate surfactant and a second olefin sulfonate surfactant. In embodiments, the first olefin sulfonate surfactant is C15-C18 IOS and the second olefin sulfonate surfactant is C19-C28 IOS.

In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes a plurality of surfactants. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes a first surfactant and a second surfactant, In embodiments, the first surfactant is an alkoxy sulfate surfactant and the second surfactant is an olefin sulfonate surfactant. In embodiments, the alkoxy sulfate surfactant is Ci3-13PO-sulfate (i.e., an unsubstituted C13 alkyl attached to 13 -CH2-CH(methyl)-0- linkers, in turn attached to - SO3^" or acid or salt thereof including metal cations such as sodium) and the olefin sulfonate surfactant is C19-C23 IOS.

ant has the formula:

In formula (VI) R¹ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C8-C20 alkyl, R³-substituted or unsubstituted aryl or R³-substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl. R² is independently hydrogen or methyl. R³ of formula (VI) is independently R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C1-C15 alkyl, R⁴- substituted or unsubstituted aryl or R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl. R⁴ of formula (VI) is independently unsubstituted aryl or unsubstituted cycloalkyl. n is an integer from 25 to 1 15. X is -S0₃-M⁺, -CH₂C(0)O M⁺, -SO3H or -CH₂C(0)OH, and M⁺ is a monovalent, divalent or trivalent cation.

In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 25 to 1 15. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 30 to 1 15. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 35 to 115. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 40 to 1 15. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 45 to 1 15. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 50 to 1 15. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 55 to 1 15. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 60 to 1 15. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 65 to 1 15. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 70 to 1 15. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 75 to 1 15. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 80 to 1 15. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 30 to 80. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 35 to 80. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 40 to 80. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 45 to 80. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 50 to 80. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 55 to 80. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 60 to 80. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 65 to 80. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 70 to 80. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 75 to 80. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 30 to 60. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 35 to 60. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 40 to 60. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 45 to 60. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 50 to 60. In embodiments, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 55 to 60. In embodiments, n is 25. In embodiments, n is 50. In embodiments, n is 55. In embodiments, n is 75. In some related embodiments, R¹ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C8-C20 alkyl. In some other related embodiments, R¹ is R⁴- substituted or unsubstituted C12-C20 alkyl. In some other related embodiments, R¹ is R⁴- substituted or unsubstituted C13-C20 alkyl. In some other related embodiments, R¹ is R⁴- substituted or unsubstituted C13 alkyl. In some other related embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted Ci3 alkyl. In other related embodiments, R¹ is a unsubstituted tridecyl (i.e., a C13H27- alkyl radical derived from tridecylalcohol). In yet some other related embodiments, R¹ is R⁴- substituted or unsubstituted C15-C20 alkyl. In some other related embodiments, R¹ is R⁴- substituted or unsubstituted Cis alkyl. In some other related embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted Ci8 alkyl. In other related embodiments, R¹ is an unsubstituted oleyl (i.e., a C17H33CH2- radical derived from oleyl alcohol).

R¹ may be R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C8-C20 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C10-C20 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C12-C20 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is R⁴- substituted or unsubstituted C13-C20 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C14-C20 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C16-C20 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C8-C15 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is R⁴- substituted or unsubstituted C10-C15 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C12-C15 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C13-C15 alkyl. In related embodiments, the alkyl is a saturated alkyl. In other related embodiments, R¹ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C13 alkyl. In other related embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted C13 alkyl. In other related embodiments, R¹ is a tridecyl (i.e., a C13H27- alkyl radical derived from tridecylalcohol). In other related embodiments, R¹ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted Ci8 alkyl. In other related embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted Ci8 alkyl. In other related embodiments, R¹ is an oleyl (i.e., a C17H33CH2- radical derived from oleyl alcohol). In other related embodiments, n is as defined in an embodiment above (e.g., n is at least 40, or at least 50, e.g., 55 to 85).

R¹ may be linear or branched unsubstituted C8-C20 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C8-C20 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted C8-C20 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C8-C18 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted Cs-Cis alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted Cs-Cis alkyl. In some other related embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted Cis alkyl. In other related

embodiments, R¹ is an oleyl (i.e., a C17H33CH2- radical derived from oleyl alcohol). In embodiments, R¹ is linear or branched unsubstituted C8-C16 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C8-C16 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted C8-C16 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear or branched unsubstituted C8-C14 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C8-C14 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted C8-C14 alkyl. In other related embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C13 alkyl. In other related

embodiments, R¹ is a tridecyl (i.e., a C13H27- alkyl radical derived from tridecylalcohol). In embodiments, R¹ is linear or branched unsubstituted C8-C12 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C8-C12 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted C8-C12 alkyl. In other related embodiments, n is as defined in an embodiment above (e.g., n is at least 40, or at least 50, e.g., 55 to 85).

In embodiments, where R¹ is a linear or branched unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., branched unsubstituted C10-C20 alkyl), the alkyl is a saturated alkyl (e.g., a linear or branched

unsubstituted saturated alkyl or branched unsubstituted C10-C20 saturated alkyl). A "saturated alkyl," as used herein, refers to an alkyl consisting only of hydrogen and carbon atoms that are bonded exclusively by single bonds. Thus, in embodiments, R¹ may be linear or branched unsubstituted saturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C10-C20 saturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted C10-C20 saturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C12-C20 saturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted C12- C20 saturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C12-C16 saturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted C12-C16 saturated alkyl. In some further embodiment, R¹ is linear unsubstituted C13 saturated alkyl.

In embodiments, where R¹ is a linear or branched unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., branched unsubstituted C10-C20 alkyl), the alkyl is an unsaturated alkyl (e.g., a linear or branched unsubstituted unsaturated alkyl or branched unsubstituted C10-C20 unsaturated alkyl). An "unsaturated alkyl," as used herein, refers to an alkyl having one or more double bonds or triple bonds. An unsaturated alkyl as provided herein can be mono- or polyunsaturated and can include di- and multivalent radicals. Thus, in embodiments, R¹ may be linear or branched unsubstituted unsaturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C10-C20 unsaturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted C10-C20 unsaturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C12-C20 unsaturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted C12-C20 unsaturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C12-C18 unsaturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted C12-C18 unsaturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted Ci8 unsaturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted Ci8 unsaturated alkyl. In one embodiment, R¹ is linear unsubstituted Ci8 mono-unsaturated alkyl. In another embodiment, R¹ is linear unsubstituted Ci8 poly-unsaturated alkyl. In one embodiment, R¹ is branched unsubstituted Ci8 mono-unsaturated alkyl. In another embodiment, R¹ is branched unsubstituted Ci8 poly-unsaturated alkyl.

In embodiments, R² is independently hydrogen or methyl.

As provided herein R¹ may be R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C8-C20 (e.g., C12-C18) alkyl, R³-substituted or unsubstituted C5-C10 (e.g., C5-C6) aryl or R³-substituted or unsubstituted C3-C8 (e.g., C5-C7) cykloalkyl. R³ may be independently R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C1-C15 (e.g., C8-C12) alkyl, R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C5-C10 (e.g., C5-C6) aryl or R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C3-C8 (e.g., C5-C7) cykloalkyl. Thus, in embodiments, R³ is R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C1-C15 alkyl, R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C5-C10 aryl or R⁴-substituted or unsubstituted C3-C8 cycloalkyl. R⁴ may be independently unsubstituted C5-C10 (e.g., C5-C6) aryl or unsubstituted C3-C8 (e.g., C5-C7) cykloalkyl. Thus, in embodiments, R⁴ is independently unsubstituted C5-C10 aryl or unsubstituted C3-C8 cykloalkyl.

M⁺ may be a monovalent, divalent or trivalent cation. In embodiments, M⁺ is a monovalent, divalent or trivalent metal cation. In embodiments, M⁺ is a monovalent or divalent cation (e.g., metal cation). In embodiments, M⁺ is a monovalent cation (e.g., metal cation). In embodiments, M⁺ is a divalent cation (e.g., metal cation). In embodiments, M⁺ is Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄ ⁺, Ca⁺², Mg⁺² or Ba⁺². A person having ordinary skill in the art will immediately recognize that M⁺ may be a divalent cation where X is a monovalent anion (e.g., where M⁺ is coordinated with more than one compound provided herein or with an additional anion in the surrounding liquid environment).

In embodiments, where multiple R² substituents are present and at least two R² substituents are different, R² substituents with the fewest number of carbons are present to the side of the compound of formula (VI) bound to the X substituent. In this embodiment, the compound of formula (VI) will be increasingly hydrophilic in progressing from the R² substituent to the side of the compound of formula (VI) bound to the X substituent. The term "side of the compound of formula (VI) bound to the X substituent" refers to the side of the comp the below structure:

In embodiments of the compound of formula (VI), or embodiments thereof provided herein, where R¹ is unsubstituted C10-C15 alkyl and R² is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 25 to 1 15. In embodiments, where R¹ is unsubstituted C10-C15 alkyl and R² is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 20 to 75. In embodiments, where R¹ is unsubstituted C10-C15 alkyl and R² is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 20 to 65. In embodiments, where R¹ is unsubstituted C10-C15 alkyl and R² is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 20 to 55. In embodiments, where R¹ is unsubstituted C10-C15 alkyl and R² is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 35 to 75. In embodiments, where R¹ is unsubstituted C10-C15 alkyl and R² is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 35 to 65. In embodiments, where R¹ is unsubstituted C10-C15 alkyl and R² is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 35 to 55. In embodiments, where R¹ is unsubstituted C10-C15 alkyl and R² is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 40 to 75. In embodiments, where R¹ is unsubstituted Cio- Ci5 alkyl and R² is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 40 to 65. In embodiments, where R¹ is unsubstituted C10-C15 alkyl and R² is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 40 to 55. In embodiments, where R¹ is unsubstituted C10-C15 alkyl and R² is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n of formula (VI) is 55.

In embodiments of the compound of formula (VI), or embodiments thereof provided herein, where R¹ of formula (VI) is unsubstituted C12-C20 unsaturated alkyl and R² of formula (VI) is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n is an integer from 25 to 1 15. In embodiments, where R¹ of formula (VI) is unsubstituted C12-C20 unsaturated alkyl and R² of formula (VI) is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n is an integer from 40 to 1 15. In embodiments, where R¹ of formula (VI) is unsubstituted C12-C20 unsaturated alkyl and R² of formula (VI) is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n of formula (VI) is an integer from 50 to 1 15. In embodiments, where R¹ is unsubstituted C12-C20 unsaturated alkyl and R² of formula (VI) is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n is an integer from 60 to 1 15. In embodiments, where R¹ of formula (VI) is unsubstituted C12-C20 unsaturated alkyl and R² is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n is an integer from 70 to 1 15. In embodiments, where R¹ of formula (VI) is unsubstituted C12-C20 unsaturated alkyl and R² of formula (VI) is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n is an integer from 75 to 1 15. In embodiments, where R¹ of formula (VI) is unsubstituted C12-C20 unsaturated alkyl and R² of formula (VI) is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n is 75. In embodiments, where R¹ is of formula (VI) unsubstituted C12-C20 unsaturated alkyl and R² of formula (VI) is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n is an integer from 80 to 1 15. In embodiments, where R¹ of formula (VI) is unsubstituted C12-C20 unsaturated alkyl and R² of formula (VI) is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n is an integer from 85 to 1 15. In embodiments, where R¹ of formula (VI) is unsubstituted C12-C20 unsaturated alkyl and R² of formula (VI) is independently hydrogen or methyl, the symbol n is an integer from 90 to 1 15.

In embodiments, the surfactant has the formula:

In formula (VII) R¹ and X are defined as above (e.g., in formula (VI)). y is an integer from 5 to 40, and x is an integer from 35 to 50. In embodiments, y is 10 and x is 45. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VII) is C13 alkyl. In embodiments, y is 30 and x is 45. In some other embodiments, R¹ of formula (VII) is unsubstituted unsaturated Cis alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VII) is linear unsubstituted Cis unsaturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VII) is branched unsubstituted Cis unsaturated alkyl. In one embodiment, R¹ of formula (VII) is linear unsubstituted Ci8 mono-unsaturated alkyl. In another embodiment, R¹ of formula (VII) is linear unsubstituted Ci8 poly-unsaturated alkyl. In one embodiment, R¹ of formula (VII) is branched unsubstituted Ci8 mono-unsaturated alkyl. In another embodiment, R¹ of formula (VII) is branched unsubstituted Ci8 poly-unsaturated alkyl.

In embodiments of the compound of formula (VI) or (VII), or embodiments thereof disclosed herein, where R¹ of formula (VI) or (VII) is unsubstituted C13 alkyl, n is 55, X is -S03^"M⁺, and M⁺ is a divalent cation (e.g., Na²⁺). In embodiments, x is 45 and y Is 10. In another embodiment of the compound of formula (VI) or (VII), or embodiments thereof disclosed herein, where R¹ of formula (VI) or (VII) is unsubstituted Ci8 unsaturated alkyl, n is 75, X is -CH2C(0)0^"M⁺, and M⁺ is a monovalent cation (e.g., Na⁺). In embodiments, x is 45 and y is 30.

Useful surfactants are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,811,504, 3,81 1,505, 3,81 1,507, 3,890,239, 4,463,806, 6,022,843, 6,225,267, 7,629,299; WIPO Patent Application WO/2008/079855, WO/2012/027757 and WO /201 1/094442; as well as U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2005/0199395, 2006/0185845, 2006/018486, 2009/0270281, 2011/0046024,

201 1/0100402, 201 1/0190175, 2007/0191633, 2010/004843. 201 1/0201531, 2011/0190174, 201 1/0071057, 201 1/0059873, 201 1/0059872, 201 1/0048721, 2010/0319920, and

2010/02921 10. Additional useful surfactants are surfactants known to be used in enhanced oil recovery methods, including those discussed in D. B. Levitt, A. C. Jackson, L. Britton and G. A. Pope, "Identification and Evaluation of High-Performance EOR Surfactants," SPE 1X89, conference contribution for the SPE Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery Annual Meeting, Tulsa, Okla., Apr. 24-26, 2006.

A person having ordinary skill in the art will immediately recognize that many surfactants are commercially available as blends of related molecules (e.g., IOS and ABS surfactants). Thus, where a surfactant is present within a composition provided herein, a person of ordinary skill would understand that the surfactant might be a blend of a plurality of related surfactant molecules (as described herein and as generally known in the art). In embodiments, the surfactant is a surfactant blend. In embodiments, the surfactant is a single surfactant. Where the surfactant is a single surfactant, the aqueous composition includes one surfactant type.

In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration (i.e., the total amount of all surfactant types within the aqueous compositions and emulsion compositions provided herein) is from about 0.05% w/w to about 10% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is from about 0.25% w/w to about 10% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 0.5% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 1.0% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 1.25% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 1.5% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 1.75% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 2.0% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 2.5% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 3.0% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 3.5% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 4.0% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 4.5% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 5.0% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 5.5% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 6.0% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 6.5% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 7.0% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 7.5% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 8.0% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 9.0% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 10% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 0.05% w/w, 0.25% w/w, 0.5% w/w, 1.25% w/w, 1.5% w/w, 1.75% w/w, 2.0% w/w, 2.5% w/w, 3.0% w/w, 3.5% w/w, 4.5% w/w, 4.5% w/w, 5.0% w/w, 5.5% w/w, 6.0% w/w, 6.5% w/w, 7.0% w/w, 7.5% w/w, 8.0% w/w, 8.5% w/w or 10% w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 1 % w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 0.6 % w/w. In embodiments, the total surfactant concentration in the aqueous composition is about 0.4 % w/w. In embodiments, the surfactant is present at a concentration of at least 0.1% w/w. A person of ordinary skill in the art will immediately recognize that the above referenced values refer to weight percent of surfactant per weight of aqueous composition.

In embodiments, the aqueous composition further includes a co-solvent. In

embodiments, the co-solvent is an alcohol, alcohol ethoxylate, glycol ether, glycols, or glycerol. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes water, boron oxygenate, a multivalent mineral cation (e.g., from gypsum), a co-solvent and optionally a surfactant. The aqueous compositions provided herein may include more than one co-solvent. Thus, in embodiments, the aqueous composition includes a plurality of different co-solvents. Where the aqueous composition includes a plurality of different co-solvents, the different co-solvents can be distinguished by their chemical (structural) properties. For example, the aqueous composition may include a first co-solvent, a second co-solvent and a third co-solvent, wherein the first co- solvent is chemically different from the second and the third co-solvent, and the second co- solvent is chemically different from the third co-solvent. In embodiments, the plurality of different co-solvents includes at least two different alcohols (e.g., a G-C6 alcohol and a C1-C4 alcohol). In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes a C1-C6 alcohol and a C1-C4 alcohol. In embodiments, the plurality of different co-solvents includes at least two different alkoxy alcohols (e.g., a C1-C6 alkoxy alcohol and a C1-C4 alkoxy alcohol). In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes a C1-C6 alkoxy alcohol and a C1-C4 alkoxy alcohol. In embodiments, the plurality of different co-solvents includes at least two co-solvents selected from the group consisting of alcohols, alkyl alkoxy alcohols and phenyl alkoxy alcohols. For example, the plurality of different co-solvents may include an alcohol and an alkyl alkoxy alcohol, an alcohol and a phenyl alkoxy alcohol, or an alcohol, an alkyl alkoxy alcohol and a phenyl alkoxy alcohol. The alkyl alkoxy alcohols or phenyl alkoxy alcohols provided herein have a hydrophobic portion (alkyl or aryl chain), a hydrophilic portion (e.g., an alcohol) and optionally an alkoxy (ethoxylate or propoxylate) portion. Thus, in embodiments, the co-solvent is an alcohol, alkoxy alcohol, glycol ether, glycol or glycerol.

the formula

In formula (VIII), R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C6 alkylene, unsubstituted phenylene, unsubstituted cyclohexylene, unsubstituted cyclopentylene or methyl-substituted cyclopentylene.

2 is independently hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. R³ of formula (VIII) is independently hydrogen

. R⁴ of formula (VIII) is independently hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, n is an integer from 0 to 30, and m is an integer from 0 to 30. In embodiments, n is an integer from 0 to 25. In embodiments, n is an integer from 0 to 20. In embodiments, n is an integer from 0 to 15. In embodiments, n is an integer from 0 to 10. In embodiments, n is an integer from 0 to 5. In embodiments, n is 1. In embodiments, n is 3. In embodiments, n is 5. In embodiments, m is an integer from 0 to 25. In embodiments, m is an integer from 0 to 20. In embodiments, m is an integer from 0 to 15. In embodiments, m is an integer from 0 to 10. In embodiments, m is an integer from 0 to 5. In embodiments, m is 1. In embodiments, m is 3. In embodiments, m is 5. In formula (VIII) each of R² and R⁴ can appear more than once and can be optionally different. For example, in embodiments where n is 2, R² of formula (VIII) appears twice and can be optionally different. In embodiments, where m is 3, R⁴ of formula (VIII) appears three times and can be optionally different.

R¹ may be linear or branched unsubstituted alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear unsubstituted C1-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is branched unsubstituted C1-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear unsubstituted C2- C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is branched unsubstituted C2-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear unsubstituted C3-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is branched unsubstituted C3-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear unsubstituted C4-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is branched unsubstituted C4-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear unsubstituted C₄- alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is branched unsubstituted C₄-alkylene.

In embodiments, where R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear or branched unsubstituted alkylene

(e.g., branched unsubstituted C1-C6 alkylene), the alkylene is a saturated alkylene (e.g., a linear or branched unsubstituted saturated alkylene or branched unsubstituted C1-C6 saturated alkylene). A "saturated alkylene," as used herein, refers to an alkylene consisting only of hydrogen and carbon atoms that are bonded exclusively by single bonds. Thus, in embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear or branched unsubstituted saturated alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear unsubstituted saturated C1-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is branched unsubstituted saturated C1-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear unsubstituted saturated C2-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is branched unsubstituted saturated C2-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear unsubstituted saturated C3-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is branched unsubstituted saturated C3-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear unsubstituted saturated C4-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is branched unsubstituted saturated C4-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear unsubstituted saturated C₄-alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is branched unsubstituted saturated C₄-alkylene.

In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene or unsubstituted arylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is R⁷-substituted or unsubstituted cyclopropylene, wherein R⁷ is C1-C3 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is R⁸- substituted or unsubstituted cyclobutylene, wherein R⁸ is C1-C2 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is R⁹-substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentylene, wherein R⁹ is Ci -alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is R¹⁰-substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentylene, wherein R¹⁰ is unsubstituted cyclohexyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is unsubstituted phenylene, unsubstituted cyclohexylene, unsubstituted cyclopentylene or methyl-substituted cyclopentylene.

In embodiments, -R'-R³ of formula (VIII) is C1-C6 alkyl, unsubstituted phenyl, unsubstituted cyclohexyl, unsubstituted cyclopentyl or a methyl-substituted cycloalkyl.

s the structure of formula

In formula (VIIIA), Rⁿ is C1-C6 alkyl, unsubstituted phenyl, unsubstituted cyclohexyl, unsubstituted cyclopentyl or a methyl-substituted cycloalkyl.

In embodiments, n and m are independently 1 to 20. In embodiments, n and m are independently 1 to 15. In embodiments, n and m are independently 1 to 10. In embodiments, n and m are independently 1 to 6. In embodiments, n and m are independently 1.

The co-solvent included in the aqueous compositions provided herein may be a monohydric or a dihydric alkoxy alcohol (e.g., C1-C6 alkoxy alcohol or Ο-Ce alkoxy diol). Where the co-solvent is a monohydric alcohol, the co-solvent has the formula (VIII) and R³ is hydrogen. Where the co-solvent is a diol, the co-solvent has the formula (VIII) and R³ is

. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIIIA) is linear unsubstituted C₄ alkylene and n is 3. In embodiments, the co-solvent is triethyleneglycol butyl ether. In embodiments, the co-solvent is tetraethylene glycol. In embodiments, m is 3. In embodiments, R¹ is linear unsubstituted C₄ alkylene and n is 5. In embodiments, the co-solvent is pentaethyleneglycol n- butyl ether. In embodiments, m is 5. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C₄ alkylene and n is 1. In embodiments, the co-solvent is ethyleneglycol iso-butyl ether. In embodiments, m is 1. In embodiments, R¹ is branched unsubstituted C₄ alkylene and n is 3. In embodiments, the co-solvent is triethyleneglycol iso-butyl ether. In embodiments, m is 3. In embodiments, the co- solvent is ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. In embodiments, the co-solvent is ethylene glycol alkoxylate or propylene glycol alkoxylate. In embodiments, the co-solvent is propylene glycol diethoxylate or propylene glycoltriethoxylate. In embodiments, the co-solvent is propylene glycol tetraethoxylate.

In the structure of formula (VIII), R may be hydrogen or . Thus in

embodiments, R³ is

In embodiments, the co-solvent provided herein may be an alcohol or diol (C1-C6 alcohol or C1-C6 diol). Where the co-solvent is an alcohol, the co-solvent has a structure of formula (VIII), where R³ is hydrogen and n is 0. Where the co-solvent is a diol, the co-solvent has a

structure of formula (VIII), where R³ is

and n and m are 0. Thus, in embodiments, n and m are independently 0. In embodiments, R¹ is linear or branched unsubstituted C1-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ is linear or branched unsubstituted C2-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ is linear or branched unsubstituted C2-C6 alkylene. In embodiments R¹ is linear or branched unsubstituted C3-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ is linear or branched unsubstituted C4-C6 alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is linear or branched unsubstituted C₄-alkylene. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (VIII) is branched unsubstituted butylene. In embodiments, the co-solvent has the structure of formula CH3CH2CH2CH2"r"0-CH2CH2' OH

5 (VIIIB). In embodiments, the co-solvent has the

CH₃

^CH-CH₂-0-CH₂CH₂-OH

has

butyl ether (TEGBE). In embodiments, the co-solvent is TEGBE (triethylene glycol mono butyl ether). In embodiments, TEGBE is present at a concentration from about 0.01% to about 2%. In embodiments, TEGBE is present at a concentration from about 0.05% to about 1.5%. In embodiments, TEGBE is present at a concentration from about 0.2% to about 1.25%. In embodiments, TEGBE is present at a concentration from about 0.25% to about 1%. In embodiments, TEGBE is present at a concentration from about 0.5% to about 0.75%. In embodiments, TEGBE is present at a concentration of about 0.25%. In embodiments, TEGBE is present at a concentration of about 1%.

In embodiments, the co-solvent is IBA (isobutyl alcohol). In embodiments, IBA is present at a concentration from about 0.01% to about 2%. In embodiments, IBA is present at a concentration from about 0.05% to about 1.5%. In embodiments, IBA is present at a concentration from about 0.2% to about 1.25%. In embodiments, IBA is present at a concentration from about 0.25% to about 1%. In embodiments, IBA is present at a concentration from about 0.5% to about 0.75%. In embodiments, IBA is present at a concentration of about 0.25%. In embodiments, IBA is present at a concentration of about 1%.

-solvent may have the formula:

In formula (IX) R¹ is independently hydrogen or unsubstituted G-C6 alkyl, R² of formula (IX) is independently hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl and n is an integer from 1 to 30. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is unsubstituted C2-C6 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is unsubstituted C4-C6 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is unsubstituted C1-C3 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is unsubstituted C2 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is ethyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is methyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is hydrogen.

R¹ of formula (IX) may be linear or branched unsubstituted alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is linear unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is branched unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is linear unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is branched unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is linear unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is branched unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is linear unsubstituted C1-C3 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is branched unsubstituted C1-C3 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is linear unsubstituted ethyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is branched unsubstituted ethyl.

In embodiments, where R¹ of formula (IX) is linear or branched unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., branched unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl), the alkyl is a saturated alkyl (e.g., a linear or branched unsubstituted saturated alkyl or branched unsubstituted C1-C6 saturated alkyl). A "saturated alkyl," as used herein, refers to an alkyl consisting only of hydrogen and carbon atoms that are bonded exclusively by single bonds. Thus, in embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is linear or branched unsubstituted saturated alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is linear unsubstituted saturated Ο-Ce alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is branched unsubstituted saturated C1-C6 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is linear unsubstituted saturated C1-C5 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is branched unsubstituted saturated C1-C5 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is linear unsubstituted saturated C1-C4 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is branched unsubstituted saturated C1-C4 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is linear unsubstituted saturated C1-C3 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is branched unsubstituted saturated C1-C3 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is linear unsubstituted saturated ethyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is branched unsubstituted saturated ethyl.

The symbol n of formula (IX) is an integer from 1 to 30. In embodiments, n of formula (IX) is an integer from 1 to 25. In embodiments, n of formula (IX) is an integer from 1 to 20. In embodiments, n of formula (IX) is an integer from 1 to 15. In embodiments, n of formula (IX) is an integer from 1 to 10. In embodiments, n of formula (IX) is an integer from 1 to 5. In embodiments, n of formula (IX) is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30. In embodiments, n of formula (IX) is 3. In embodiments, n of formula (IX) is 5. In embodiments, n of formula (IX) is 6. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is hydrogen. In embodiments, n of formula (IX) is as defined in an embodiment above (e.g., n is at least 1, or at least 20, e.g., 5 to 15). Thus, in embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is hydrogen and n is 6.

In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is methyl. In embodiments, n of formula (IX) is as defined in an embodiment above (e.g., n is at least 1, or at least 20, e.g., 5 to 10). Thus, in embodiments, R¹ of formula (IX) is methyl and n is 6.

-solvent may have the formula:

In formula (IXA) R¹ is independently hydrogen, unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl or R⁵-OH, R² is independently hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl, R⁵ is independently a bond or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, n is an integer from 1 to 30, 0 is an integer from 1 to 5 and z is an integer from 1 to 5. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C2-C6 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C4-C6 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted Ci- C₄ alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C1-C3 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C2 alkyl. In embodiments, R¹ is ethyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IXA) is methyl. In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IXA) is hydrogen.

In embodiments, R¹ of formula (IXA) is independently a bond or R⁵-OH. In

embodiments, R¹ of formula (IXA) is R⁵-OH. In embodiments, R⁵ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C2-C6 alkyl. In embodiments, R⁵ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C4-C6 alkyl. In embodiments, R⁵ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl. In embodiments, R⁵ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl. In embodiments, R⁵ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C1-C3 alkyl. In embodiments, R⁵ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl. In embodiments, R⁵ of formula (IXA) is unsubstituted C2 alkyl. In embodiments, R⁵ of formula (IXA) is ethyl. In embodiments, R⁵ is methyl. In embodiments, R⁵ of formula (IXA) is a bond.

In formula (IXA) the symbol n is an integer from 1 to 30. In embodiments, n is an integer from 1 to 25. In embodiments, n is an integer from 1 to 20. In embodiments, n is an integer from 1 to 15. In embodiments, n is an integer from 1 to 10. In embodiments, n is an integer from 1 to 5. In embodiments, n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30. In embodiments, n is 3. In embodiments, n is 5. In embodiments, n is 6. In embodiments, n is 16. In formula (IXA) the symbol o is an integer from 1 to 5 and the symbol z is an integer from 1 to 5. In embodiments, o is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. In embodiments, z is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. In embodiments, o is 1 and z is 5. In embodiments, R¹ is independently hydrogen or R⁵-OH and R⁵ is a bond. In other embodiments, R¹ is hydrogen. In other embodiments, R¹ is R⁵-OH and R⁵ is a bond.

In formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII). R² of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) may be independently hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl. In embodiments, R² of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) is hydrogen or unsubstituted Ci or C2 alkyl. In embodiments, R² of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) is hydrogen or branched unsubstituted Ci or C2 saturated alkyl. In embodiments, R² of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) is hydrogen or a branched unsubstituted Ci saturated alkyl. In embodiments, R² of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) is independently hydrogen or methyl. In embodiments, R² is independently hydrogen or ethyl. In embodiments, R² of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) is independently hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. In embodiments, R² of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) is hydrogen. In embodiments, R² of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) is methyl. In embodiments, R² of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) is ethyl. In formula (IX) R² can appear more than once and can be optionally different. For example, in embodiments where n is 3, R² of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) appears three times and can be optionally different. In embodiments, where n is 6, R² of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) appears six times and can be optionally different.

In embodiments of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII), where multiple R² substituents are present and at least two R² substituents are different, R² substituents with the fewest number of carbons are present at the side of the compound of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) bound to the -OH group. In embodiments, the compound of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) will be increasingly hydrophilic in progressing from the R¹ substituent to the side of the compound of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) bound to the -OH group. The term "side of the compound of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII) bound to the -OH group" refers to the side of the compound indic :

In embodiments of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII), R² is hydrogen. In embodiments, n is as defined in an embodiment above (e.g., n is at least 1 , or at least 20, e.g., 5 to 15). Thus, in embodiments, R² is hydrogen and n is 6.

In embodiments of formula (IX), (IXA), (XI) or (XII), R² is methyl. In embodiments, n is as defined in an embodiment above (e.g., n is at least 1 , or at least 20, e.g., 5 to 10). Thus, in embodiments, R² is methyl and n is 6.

_χϊ)

In formula (XI) R¹ is defined as above (e.g., unsubstituted C\-Ce alkyl), R² is methyl or ethyl, o is an integer from 0 to 15 and p is an integer from 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), R² is methyl. In embodiments, R² is ethyl. In formula (XI) R² can appear more than once and can be optionally different. For example, In embodiments where o is 3, R² appears three times and can be optionally different. In embodiments of formula (XI), where o is 6, R² appears six times and can be optionally different.

In embodiments of formula (XI), o is 0 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XI), o is 0 to 12. In embodiments, o is 0 to 10. In embodiments, o is 0 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), o is 0 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XI), o is 0 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XI), o is 0 to 2. In embodiments of formula (XI), o is 0. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 2. In still embodiments of formula (XI), p is more than 1. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 6. R¹ and R² of formula (XI) may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted C\-Ce alkyl, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl). Thus, in embodiments of formula (XI), R¹ is hydrogen, 0 is 0 and p is 6.

In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 1 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 1 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), o is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XI), o is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XI), o is 1 to 2. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 2. In still embodiments, p is more than 1. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted G-C6 alkyl, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 2 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 2 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 2 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 2 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 2 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 2. In still embodiments, p is more than 1. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 4 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 4 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 4 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 4 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 2. In still embodiments, p is more than 1. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 6 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 6 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 6 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 2. In still embodiments, p is more than 1. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 8 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 8 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 2. In still embodiments, p is more than 1. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl). In embodiments of formula (XI), o is 10 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XI), o is 10 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 2. In still embodiments, p is more than 1. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted G-C6 alkyl, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XI), 0 is 12 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XI), p is 1 to 2. In still embodiments, p is more than 1. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

(xii).

In formula (XII), R¹ is defined as above (e.g., unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl), R² is ethyl, q is an integer from 0 to 10, r is an integer from 0 to 10 and p is an integer from 1 to 10.

In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 9 to 10. Moreover, In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments, r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 9 to 10. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl or hydrogen, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl). In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 0 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 1 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 2 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 3 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 4 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 5 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 6 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 7 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 8 to 9. Moreover, in embodiments, q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments, r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 9 to 10. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted C\-Ce alkyl or hydrogen, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 0 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 2 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 3 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 4 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 5 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 6 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 7 to 8.

Moreover, in embodiments, q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments, r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 9 to 10. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl or hydrogen, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl). In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 0 to 7. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 1 to 7. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 2 to 7. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 3 to 7. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 4 to 7. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 5 to 7. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 6 to 7. Moreover, in embodiments, q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments, r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 9 to 10. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted C\-Ce alkyl or hydrogen, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 0 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 2 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 3 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 4 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 5 to 6. Moreover, in embodiments, q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments, r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 9 to 10. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl or hydrogen, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 0 to 5. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 1 to 5. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 2 to 5. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 3 to 5. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 4 to 5. Moreover, in embodiments, q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 9 to 10.

Moreover, in embodiments, r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 9 to 10. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted Ci- Ce alkyl or hydrogen, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 0 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 2 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 3 to 4. Moreover, in embodiments, q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments, r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 9 to 10. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl or hydrogen, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 0 to 3. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 1 to 3. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 2 to 3. Moreover, in embodiments, q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 9 to 10.

In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 0 to 2. In embodiments of formula (XII), q is 1 to 2. Moreover, in embodiments, q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments, r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XII), p is 9 to 10. R¹ and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R¹ maybe linear unsubstituted Ο-Ce alkyl or hydrogen, R² maybe linear unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XII), the co-solvent is present in an amount sufficient to increase the solubility of the surfactant in the aqueous phase realtive to the absence of the co- solvent. In other words, in the presence of a sufficient amount of the co-solvent, the solubility of the surfactant in the aqueous phase is higher than in the absence of the co-solvent. In embodiments of formula (XII), the co-solvent is present in an amount sufficient to increase the solubility of the surfactant in the aqueous phase relative to the absence of the co-solvent. Thus, in the presence of a sufficient amount of the co-solvent the solubility of the surfactant in the aqueous phase is higher than in the absence of the co-solvent. In embodiments of formula (XII), the co-solvent is present in an amount sufficient to decrease the viscosity of the emulsion relative to the absence of the co-solvent.

The co-solvent may have the formula:

(XIII). In formula (XIII) R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen, unsubstituted Ci-Cs alkyl, unsubstituted cyc oalkyl, unsubstituted aryl, unsubstituted

heteroaryl, C1-C6 alkylamine or m . R² and R³ are independently hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl. The symbol n is an integer from 1 to 30 and m is an integer from

30.

In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-30. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-28. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-26. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-24. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-22. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-20. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-18. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1- 16. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-14. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-12. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-10. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-8. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-6. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-4. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is an integer from 1-3. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is 3. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is 1. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol n is 6.

In embodiments of formula (XIII), R² is hydrogen and n is as defined in an embodiment above (e.g., n is at least 1, or at least 10). Thus, In embodiments of formula (XIII), R² is hydrogen and n is 1. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R² is hydrogen and n is 3.

In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1-30. In

embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1-28. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1-26. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1-24. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1-22. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1-20. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1-18. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1-16. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1-14. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1 - 12. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1 - 10. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1 -8. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1 -6. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1 -4. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is an integer from 1 -3. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is 3. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is 1. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the symbol m is 6.

In embodiments of formula (XIII), R³ is hydrogen and m is as defined in an embodiment above (e.g., n is at least 1 , or at least 10). Thus, In embodiments of formula (XIII), R³ is hydrogen and m is 1. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R³ is hydrogen and m is 3.

As provided herein R^1A and R^1B may be independently hydrogen, unsubstituted Ci-Cs (e.g., C1-C4) alkyl, unsubstituted C3-C6 (e.g., Ce) cycloalkyl, unsubstituted 3 to 8 membered (e.g., 6 membered) heterocycloalkyl, C5-C8 (e.g., Ce) unsubstituted aryl, unsubstituted 5 to 8 membered (e.g., 5 to 6-membered) heteroaryl, C1-C6 (e.g., C2-C4) alkylamine or

. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently unsubstituted Ci-Cs alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are unsubstituted C3 alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), the number of total carbon atoms within R^1A and R^1B combined does not exceed 8.

in embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched or linear unsubstituted Ci-Cs alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched or linear unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched or linear unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched or linear unsubstituted C3 alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently linear unsubstituted Ci-Cs alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched unsubstituted Ci-Cs alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently linear unsubstituted Ο-Ce alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently linear unsubstituted Ci- C₄ alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are linear unsubstituted C3 alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are branched unsubstituted C3 alkyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are unsubstituted isopropyl.

As provided herein R^1A and R^1B may be independently hydrogen or C1-C6 (e.g., C1-C4) alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or Ci- Ce alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or C2-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or C3-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or C4-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are

independently hydrogen or C4 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or C5 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or Ce alkylamine.

In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched or linear Ο-Ce alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched or linear C2-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched or linear C3-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched or linear C4-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched or linear C4 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched or linear C5 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched or linear Ce alkylamine.

In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or linear Ci- Ce alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or linear C2-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or linear C3-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or linear C4-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or linear C4 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or linear C5 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or linear Ce alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched Ο-Ce alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched C2-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched C3-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched C4-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched CA alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched C5 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or branched Ce alkylamine.

In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B is C4-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B is branched or linear C4-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B is linear C4-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B is branched C4-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B is C4 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B is linear C4 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B is C5 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B is linear C5 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B is Ce alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B is linear Ce alkylamine.

R^1A and R^1B may be independently Ο-Ce (e.g., C1-C4) alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently Ο-Ce alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently C2-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently C3-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently C4-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched or linear Ο-Ce alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched or linear C2-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched or linear C3-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched or linear C4-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently linear Ο-Ce alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently linear C2-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently linear C3-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently linear C4-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched Ο-Ce alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched C2-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched C3-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched C4-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently C2 alkylamine or C4 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are C2 alkylamine. As described herein R^1A and R^1B may be an alkylpolyamme. Thus, In embodiments of formula (XIII), the alkylamine is an alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently Ο-Ce alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently C2-C6 alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently C3-C6 alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently C4-C6 alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched or linear Ο-Ce alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched or linear C2-C6 alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched or linear C3-C6 alkylpolyamme. In

embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched or linear C4-C6 alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently linear Ο-Ce alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently linear C2-C6 alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently linear C3-C6 alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently linear C4-C6 alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched C1-C6 alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched C2-C6 alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched C3-C6 alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently branched C4-C6 alkylpolyamme. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently C2 alkylamine or C4 alkylpolyamme.

In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are independently hydrogen or Ο-Ce alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are C1-C6 alkylamine. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R^1A and R^1B are C1-C6 alkylpolyamme. In the embodiments provided herein R^1A and R^1B may have the structure of formula:

(XVIII) or ¾N X (XIX). In embodiments, R is hydrogen

^¾ has the structure of formula is hydrogen and R^1B has the structure o

f formula (XVII). In embodiments, R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B has the structure of formula

(XIX). In embodiments, R^1A and R^1B have

As provided herein R^1A and R^1B may be independently hydrogen, unsubstituted C3-C6 (e.g., C6) cycloalkyl or C5-C8 (e.g., Ce) unsubstituted aryl. Thus, in embodiments, R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B is unsubstituted (e.g., C3-C6) cycloalkyl. In embodiments, R^1B is

unsubstituted 6 membered cycloalkyl. In embodiments, R^1A is hydrogen and R^1B is (e.g., Cs-Cs) unsubstituted aryl. In embodiments, R^1B is phenyl.

As provided herein R² and R³ may be independently hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl. Thus, In embodiments of formula (XIII), R² and R³ are independently hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. In embodiments of formula (XIII), where multiple R² substituents are present and at least two R² substituents are different, R² substituents with the fewest number of carbons are present to the side of the compound of formula (XIII), (XIV), or (XV) bound to the hydrogen atom. In this embodiment, the compound of formula (XIII), (XIV), or (XV) will be increasingly hydrophilic in progressing from the nitrogen to the side of the compound of formula (XIII), (XIV), or (XV) bound to the hydrogen atom. The term "side of the compound of formula (XIII), (XIV), or (XV) bound to the hydrogen atom" refers to the side of the compound indicated by asterisk in the below structure

:

In formula (XIV) R^1A and R^1B are defined as above (e.g., hydrogen, C3 alkyl, or C1-C6 alkylamine), R² is methyl or ethyl, 0 is an integer from 0 to 15 and p is an integer from 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIII), R² is hydrogen, 0 is 0 and p is 1 to 6.

In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 0 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 0 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 0 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 0 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 0 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 0 to 2. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 0. In embodiments, p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments, p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments, p is 1 to 2. In embodiments, p is more than 1. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 6. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl). Thus, In embodiments of formula (XIV), R^1A and R^1B are isopropyl, 0 is 0 and p is 3.

In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 1 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 1 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 1 to 2. In embodimentsd, p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments, p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 2. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is more than 1. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 2 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 2 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 2 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 2 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 2 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 2. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is more than 1. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 4 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 4 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 4 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 4 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 2. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is more than 1 R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 6 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 6 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 6 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 2. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is more than 1. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 8 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 8 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 2. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is more than 1. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 10 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 10 to 12. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 2. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is more than 1. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XIV), 0 is 12 to 15. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is

1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is 1 to 2. In embodiments of formula (XIV), p is more than 1. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl). .

In emb

(XV). In formula (XV) R² is ethyl, q is an integer from 0 to 10, r is an integer from 0 to 10 and s is an integer from 1 to 10.

In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 9 to 10. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 1 to

9. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 2 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 3 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 4 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 5 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 6 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 7 to 9. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 8 to 9. Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 9 to 10.

Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 1 to

10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 9 to 10. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 1 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 2 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 3 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 4 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 5 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 6 to 8. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 7 to 8.

Moreover, In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 9 to 10. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0 to 7. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 1 to 7. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 2 to 7. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 3 to 7. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 4 to 7. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 5 to 7. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 6 to 7. Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 9 to 10. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 1 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 2 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 3 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 4 to 6. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 5 to 6. Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0 to

10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0. In embodiments of formu la (XV), s is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 9 to 10. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0 to 5. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 1 to 5. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 2 to 5. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 3 to 5. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 4 to 5. Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 9 to 10. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl). In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 1 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 2 to 4. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 3 to 4. Moreover, In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 9 to 10. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0 to 3. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 1 to 3. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 2 to 3. Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 9 to 10. R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0 to 2. In embodiments of formula (XV), q is 1 to 2. Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), q is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), r is 9 to 10. Moreover, in embodiments of formula (XV), r is 0. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 1 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 2 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 3 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 4 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 5 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 6 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 7 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 8 to 10. In embodiments of formula (XV), s is 9 to 10R^1A, R^1B and R² may be any of the

embodiments described above (e.g., R^1A and R^1B maybe isopropyl, R² maybe hydrogen or unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl).

In embodiments of the compound of formula (XIII), or embodiments thereof provided herein, where R^1A and R^1B are isopropyl, and R² is hydrogen, the symbol n is 1 or 3. In embodiments, where R^1A is hydrogen, R^1B has the structure of formula (XVI) and R² is hydrogen, the symbol n is 1 or 3. In embodiments, where R^1A is hydrogen, R^1B has the structure of formula (XVII) and R² is hydrogen, the symbol n is 1 or 3. In embodiments, where R^1A is hydrogen, R^1B has the structure of formula (XVIII) and R² is hydrogen, the symbol n is 1 or 3. In embodiments, where R^1A has the formula of structure (XVIII), R^1B has the structure of formula (XIX) and R² is hydrogen, the symbol n is 1 or 3. In embodiments, where R^1A and R^1B have the formula of structure (XIX) and R² is hydrogen, the symbol n is 1 or 3. In embodiments, where R^1A is hydrogen, R^1B is phenyl and R² is hydrogen, the symbol n is 1 or 3. In

embodiments, where R^1A is hydrogen, R^1B is 6 membered cycloalkyl and R² is hydrogen, the symbol n is 1 or 3.

In embodiments, the aqueous compositions herein, including embodiments thereof, further include an alkali agent in addition to the ammonia compound or ammonium salt or salt blend. The alkali agent may include an amine (e.g., mono-, di- or tri-alkyl amine), an acetate, a bicarbonate, or a borate salt. In embodiments, the alkali agent is an alkyl amine (e.g., methylamine, dimethyl amine, or trimethyl amine) and alkyl ammonium compound, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCCte), sodium metaborate, sodium acetate, or potassium acetate. In embodiments, the alkali agent is methylamine, ethylamine, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium borate. In embodiments, the alkali agent is methylamine, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium borate. The alkali agent may be methylamine. The alkali agent may be sodim bicarbonate. The alkali agent may be sodium borate.

In embodiments, the aqueous compositions herein, including embodiments thereof, further include a viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer. The viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer may be a polyacrylamide or a co-polymer of polyacrylamide. The viscosity enhancing water-soluble polymer may be a biopolymer such as xanthan gum or scleroglucan, a synthetic polymer such as polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide or co-polymers of acrylamide and acrylic acid, 2-acrylamido 2-methyl propane sulfonate or N-vinyl pyrrolidone, a synthetic polymer such as polyethylene oxide, or any other high molecular weight polymer soluble in water or brine. In embodiments, the viscosity enhancing water-soluble polymer is polyacrylamide or a co-polymer of polyacrylamide. In one embodiment, the viscosity enhancing water-soluble polymer is a partially (e.g., 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%) hydrolyzed anionic polyacrylamide. In embodiments, the viscosity enhancing water-soluble polymer has a molecular weight of approximately about 8xl0⁶. In embodiments, the viscosity enhancing water-soluble polymer has a molecular weight of approximately about 18xl0⁶. Non- limiting examples of commercially available polymers useful for the invention including embodiments provided herein are Flowpaam 3330S and Flowpaam 3360S.

In embodiments, the ammonia compound and the ammonium salt or the salt blend increases the solubility of a viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer as described herein. In other words, the ammonia compound and the ammonium salt or salt blend decreases formation of solid a viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer in the aqueous solution (i.e., the ammonia compound and the ammonium salt or salt blend decreases precipitation of the a viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer). In embodiments, the increased solubility is in hard brine water.

The aqueous composition provided herein may further include a gas. The gas may be combined with the aqueous composition to reduce its mobility by decreasing the liquid flow in the pores of the solid material (e.g., rock). In embodiments, the gas may be supercritical carbon dioxide, nitrogen, natural gas or mixtures of these and other gases.

In embodiments, the aqueous solution includes unrefined petroleum. The aqueous solution may be within a petroleum reservoir. In embodiments, petroleum reservoir is below an ocean or a sea. The aqueous composition may include seawater, or fresh water from an aquifer, river or lake. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes hard brine. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5 ppm to more than XIV ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined.

In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5 ppm to more than 4000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5 ppm to more than 3000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5 ppm to more than 2000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5 ppm to more than 1000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5 ppm to more than 500 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5 ppm to more than 250 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5 ppm to more than 200 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5 ppm to more than 150 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5 ppm to more than 100 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5 ppm to more than 50 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5 ppm to more than 10 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined.

In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 4000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 3000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 2000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 1000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 500 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 250 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 200 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 150 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 100 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 50 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined.

In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 50 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 100 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 150 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 250 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 500 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 1000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 1500 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 2000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 2500 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 3000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 4000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined.

In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 4000 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 3000 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 2000 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 1000 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 500 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 250 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 200 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 150 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 100 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm to more than 50 ppm Mg²⁺.

In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 10 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 50 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 100 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 150 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 250 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 500 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 1000 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 1500 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 2000 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 2500 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 3000 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 4000 ppm Mg²⁺. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes more than 5000 ppm Mg²⁺.

In embodiments, the ammonium salt described herein, including embodiments thereof, is present in an amount sufficient to decrease the formation of solid magnesium hydroxide relative to the absence of said ammonium salt.

In embodiments, the ammonia compound and the ammonium salt or the salt blend increases Ca²⁺ solubility in the aqueous compositions described herein relative to the absence of the ammonia compound and ammonium salt or salt blend. In other words, the ammonia compound and the ammonium salt or the salt blend increases the stability of Ca²⁺ relative to the absence of the ammonia compound and ammonium salt or salt blend. In embodiments, the ammonia compound and ammonium salt or salt blend reduces CaS0₄ precipitation relative to the absence of the ammonia compound and ammonium salt or salt blend. In embodiments, the increased solubility is in hard brine water.

In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH from about 8.5 to about 9.9. The aqueous solution may have a pH from about 8.5 to about 9.8. The aqueous solution may have a pH from about 8.5 to about 9.7. The aqueous solution may have a pH from about 8.5 to about 9.6. The aqueous solution may have a pH from about 8.5 to about 9.5. The aqueous solution may have a pH from about 9.0 to about 9.9. The aqueous solution may have a pH from about 9.0 to about 9.8. The aqueous solution may have a pH from about 9.0 to about 9.7. The aqueous solution may have a pH from about 9.0 to about 9.6. The aqueous solution may have a pH from about 9.0 to about 9.5. The aqueous solution may have a pH from about 9.5 to about 9.9. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 8.5. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 8.6. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 8.7. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 8.8. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 8.9. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 9.0. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 9.1. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 9.2. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 9.3. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 9.4. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 9.5. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 9.6. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 9.7. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 9.8. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of about 9.9.

In embodiments, the pH of the aqueous solution may be adjusted using a pH adjusting agent (i.e., an acid that is exogenous to the water that is added during formation, synthesis, or production of the compositions described herein, including embodiments thereof). The acid may be, for example, a mineral acid (e.g., HCl) or a carboxylic acid. The acid may be hydrogen chloride (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3), glycolic acid, hydroxy propionic acid, hydroxy butlyric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, phthalic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, or

ethylenediammetetraacetic acid (EDTA; e.g., tetrasodium EDTA). In embodiments, the pH may be adjusted in situ by contacting free ammonia or an ammonia compound described herein with an acid described herein (e.g., HCl or acetic acid) to generate an ammonium salt. Where the pH is adjusted using a pH adjusting agent, one skilled in the art would readily recognize that the amount of salinity and/or ionic strength adjusting agent may require modification (e.g., decreasing the amount of ionic strength adjusting agent to compensate for the amount of ammonium salt generated in situ).

In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 500 ppm to at least about 200,000 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 2,000 ppm to at least about 150,000 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 2,000 ppm to at least about 100,000 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 2,000 ppm to at least about 50,000 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 2,000 ppm to at least about 10,000 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 2,000 ppm to at least about 5,000 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 500 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 2,000 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 2500 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 5,000 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 10,000 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 25,000 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 50,000 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 100,000 ppm. In embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 150,000 ppm. In

embodiments, the aqueous solution has a salinity of at least about 200,000 ppm.

In embodiments, the aqueous solution includes an ionic strength adjusting agent (i.e., a salt that is exogenous to the water that is added during formation, synthesis, or production of the compositions described herein, including embodiments thereof). In embodiments, the ionic strength adjusting agent is a halide salt or and acetate salt. In embodiments, the ionic strength adjusting agent is sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KC1), sodium iodide (Nal), potassium iodide (KI), sodium acetate, potassium acetate, calcium chloride (CaCb), sodium sulfate (Na2S0₄), sodium nitrate (NaNCte), potassium nitrate (KNO3), or ammonium nitrate

(NH NO3). In embodiments, the ionic strength adjusting agent may act as a chelating agent (i.e., a weak chelator of Ca or Mg). In embodiments, ionic strength adjusting agent is not sodium carbonate.

In embodiments, the aqueous solution includes a chelating agent. The chelating agent may further increase wettability of the solution (i.e., the tendency of the aqueous solution to spread on or adhere to a solid material of e.g., a petroleum reservoir thereby displacing unrefined petroleum from the material). Thus, in embodiments, the chelating agent may be present in an amount sufficient to decrease the absorption of the surfactant to the solid material in a petroleum reservior. In embodiments, the chelating agent is EDTA (e.g., tetrasodium EDTA). In embodiments, the aqueous compositions described herein further include unrefined petroleum.

In embodiments, the aqueous composition is within a petroleum reservoir. The petroleum reservoir may be below an ocean or a sea. In embodiments, the petroleum reservoir is at a temperature of between about 10 °C and about 160 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of about between 10 °C and about 150 °C The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of about between 10 °C and about 140 °C The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of about between 10 °C and about 130 °C The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of about between 10 °c and about 120 °C The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of about between 10 °c and about 1 10 °C The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of about between 10 °c and about 100 °C The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of about between 10 °c and about 90 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of about between 10 °c and about 80 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of about between 10 °c and about 70 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of about between 10 °c and about 60 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of about between 10 °c and about 50 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of about between 10 °c and about 40 °C.

The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 10 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 20 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 30 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 40 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 50 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 60 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 70 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 80 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 90 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 100 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 1 10 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 120 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 130 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 140 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 150 °C. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature of at least 160 °C.

Also provided herein are emulsions. An emulsion composition includes an unrefined petroleum phase, an aqueous phase, a surfactant as described here, an ammonium compound as described herein and an ammonium salt or a salt blend of the ammonium salt as described herein. The salt blend includes a plurality of chemically different ammonium salts, where the molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 0.1 : 1. The ammonia compound is R¾2N, (R³)2HN, (R³)3N, or NH3, wherein R³ is unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl. The ammonia compound and R³ are as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The ammonia compound may be NH3. In embodiments, the ammonia compound is not NH3. In embodiments, the emulsion includes an unrefined petroleum phase, an aqueous phase, a surfactant as described here, and an ammonium salt or a salt blend as described herein.

In embodiments, the emulsion composition includes the components set forth in the aqueous composition provided above (e.g., the above described salinity, pH and concentration of components as described above including embodiments thereof). Thus, the aqueous solution is as described herein, including embodiments thereof. In embodiments, the aqueous phase is hard brine water.

In embodiments, the emulsion composition includes a plurality of different surfactants as described herein including embodiments thereof. The emulsion composition includes an ammonium salt as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The emulsion includes a salt blend as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The emulsion may optionally include a co-solvent as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The emulsion may optionally include an alkali agent as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The emulsion may optionally include a viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer, including embodiments thereof. The emulsion may optionally include a gas, including embodiments thereof. The emulsion may optionally include an ionic strength adjusting agent, including embodiments thereof. The emulsion may optionally include a chelating agent, including embodiments thereof.

The unrefined petroleum phase is as described herein with respect to unrefined petroleum and includes embodiments thereof. In embodiments, the emulsion composition is a

micro emulsion. A "microemulsion" as referred to herein is a thermodynamically stable mixture of oil, water and surfactants that may also include additional components such as the compounds provided herein including embodiments thereof, electrolytes, alkali and polymers. In contrast, a "macroemulsion" as referred to herein is a thermodynamically unstable mixture of oil and water that may also include additional components. The emulsion composition provided herein may be an oil-in-water emulsion, wherein the surfactant forms aggregates (e.g., micelles) where the hydrophilic part of the surfactant molecule contacts the aqueous phase of the emulsion and the lipophilic part contacts the oil phase of the emulsion. Thus, In embodiments, the surfactant forms part of the aqueous part of the emulsion. And in embodiments, the surfactant forms part of the oil phase of the emulsion. In yet another embodiment, the surfactant forms part of an interface between the aqueous phase and the oil phase of the emulsion.

In embodiments of the emulsion, the oil and water solubilization ratios are insensitive to the combined concentration of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined within the aqueous phase. In embodiments of the emulsion, the oil and water solubilization ratios are insensitive to the concentration of Mg²⁺ within the aqueous phase. In embodiments of the emulsion, the oil and water solubilization ratios are insensitive to the salinity of the water within the aqueous phase.

Methods

Also provided herein are methods of displacing a hydrocarbon material in contact with a solid material. In one aspect, the method includes contacting a hydrocarbon material with an aqueous composition as described herein, including embodiments thereof, where the

hydrocarbon material is in contact with a solid material. The method further includes allowing the hydrocarbon material to separate from the solid material thereby displacing the hydrocarbon material in contact with the solid material.

In embodiments, the solid material with an aqueous composition as described herein, including embodiments, thereof. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes the components set forth in the aqueous composition provided above (e.g., the above described salinity, pH and concentration of components as described above including embodiments thereof). Thus, the aqueous solution is as described herein, including embodiments thereof. In embodiments, the aqueous phase is hard brine water. In embodiments, the aqueous composition includes a plurality of different surfactants as described herein including embodiments thereof. The aqueous composition includes an ammonia compound as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The aqueous composition includes an ammonium salt as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The aqueous includes a salt blend as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The aqueous may optionally include a co-solvent as described herein, an alkali agent, a viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer, a gas, an ionic strength adjusting agent, or a chelating agent, as described herein, including embodiments thereof.

In embodiments, the ammonia compound and the ammonium salt or the salt blend is present in an amount sufficient to decrease the adsorption of the surfactant to the solid material. The solid material may be a natural solid material (i.e., a solid found in nature such as rock). The natural solid material may be found in a petroleum reservoir. In embodiments, the method is an enhanced oil recovery method. Enhanced oil recovery methods are well known in the art. A general treatise on enhanced oil recovery methods is Basic Concepts in Enhanced Oil Recovery Processes edited by M. Baviere (published for SCI by Elsevier Applied Science, London and New York, 1991). For example, in an enhanced oil recovery method, the displacing of the unrefined petroleum in contact with the solid material is accomplished by contacting the unrefined petroleum with an aqueous composition provided herein wherein the unrefined petroleum is in contact with the solid material. The unrefined petroleum may be in an oil reservoir. The aqueous composition provided herein is pumped into the reservoir in accordance with known enhanced oil recovery parameters. The aqueous composition provided herein may be pumped into the reservoir and, upon contacting the unrefined petroleum, form an emulsion composition provided herein. The petroleum reservoir may be at a temperature as described herein, including embodiments thereof.

In embodiments, an emulsion forms after the contacting. The emulsion thus formed may be the emulsion composition as described above. In embodiments, the method includes allowing an unrefined petroleum acid within the unrefined petroleum material to enter into the emulsion (e.g., emulsion composition), thereby converting the unrefined petroleum acid into a surfactant. In other words, where the unrefined petroleum acid converts into a surfactant it is mobilized and therefore separates from the solid material.

In embodiments, the natural solid material is rock or regolith. The natural solid material may be a geological formation such as elastics or carbonates. The natural solid material may be either consolidated or unconsolidated material or mixtures thereof. The hydrocarbon material may be unrefined petroleum. The unrefined petroleum material may be trapped or confined by "bedrock" above or below the natural solid material. The unrefined petroleum material may be found in fractured bedrock or porous natural solid material. In embodiments, the regolith is soil. In embodiments, the soil is petroleum contaminated soil. Thus, in embodiments, the method is an environmental oil spill clean-up method.

In embodiments, the hydrocarbon material is oil and said solid material is textile material. Thus, in embodiments, the method is a textile cleaning method. In embodiments, the hydrocarbon material is oil and the solid material is a household surface. Thus, in embodiments, the method is a household cleaning method. In embodiments, an emulsion as described herein forms after contact with the hydrocarbon material.

Also provided herein is a method of converting an unrefined petroleum acid into a surfactant. The method includes contacting a petroleum material with an aqueous composition as described herein, including embodiments thereof, thereby forming an emulsion in contact with the petroleum material. The unrefined petroleum acid within the unrefined petroleum material is allowed to enter into the emulsion, thereby converting the unrefined petroleum acid into a surfactant. The unrefined petroleum acid, surfactant, and aqueous composition are as described herein, including embodiments thereof.

Also provided herein are methods of increasing the solubility of a viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer in hard brine water. In one aspect, the method include contacting the hard brine water with an ammonia compound as described herein and an ammonium salt or a salt blend of the ammonium salt as described herein, thereby increasing the solubility of the enhancing water soluble polymer in hard brine water.. The salt blend includes a plurality of chemically different ammonium salts, where the molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 0.1 : 1. The ammonia compound is as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The ammonia compound may be NH3. The ammonium salt and salt blend are as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer is as described herein. The viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer may be hydrolyzed polyacrylamide or co-polymers of acrylamide and acrylic acid. The method may include the components set forth in the aqueous composition provided above (e.g.,a surfactant, a gas, an alkali agent, a co-solvent, an ionic strength adjusting agent, or a chelating agent). In embodiments, the method includes the components set forth in the aqueous composition provided above (e.g., the above described salinity, pH and concentration of components as described above including embodiments thereof).

Provided herein are methods of increasing the solubility of Ca²⁺ in hard brine water. In one aspect, the method includes contacting the hard brine water an ammonia compound as described herein and an ammonium salt or salt blend as described herein, thereby increasing said solubility of said Ca²⁺ in hard brine water. The salt blend includes a plurality of chemically different ammonium salts, where the molar ratio of the ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 0.1 : 1. The ammonia compound is as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The ammonia compound may be NH3. The ammonium salt and salt blend are as described herein, including embodiments thereof. The method may include the components set forth in the aqueous composition provided above (e.g., a surfactant, a gas, an alkali agent, a co-solvent, an ionic strength adjusting agent, or a chelating agent). In embodiments, the method includes the components set forth in the aqueous composition provided above (e.g., the above described salinity, pH and concentration of components as described above including embodiments thereof).

EXAMPLES

Ammonia (NH3) is a weak base having pK_a value of 9.25. On adding ammonia to brine having only sodium and chloride ions, the pH of the solution increases to about 11. If NH3 is added to brine also containing magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca), Mg precipitates while Ca does not. To avoid the precipitation of Mg, the pH of the sample should be maintained below about 10. One way to maintain a pH below about 10 is to add NH₄C1 (a weak acid) to the brine^[1 It should be noted that salts having the formula described herein (e.g., formula (I) and (II), including embodiments thereof) also act as weak acids and may maintain a pH below about 10 in brine.

NH4X salt was added in increasing amount to brines containing about 500 to XI ppm Mg and 0.6 wt% NH3 to determine the minimum amount of NH4X salt needed at which Mg was stable for the system. Two salts, ammonium chloride and ammonium acetate were individually added to the brine solutions set forth above. The samples were kept in the oven at the delineated temperatures. The results of the experiments are shown below. The pH of the clear solution containing Nl UAcetate is higher than the pH of the solution containing NH4CI. In general, as Mg concentrations decrease, the pH should be better maintained and decreased amounts of NH4X salts may be needed to stabilize Mg. PHREEQC ^[2] simulations show that ammonium acetate provides better stability for Mg, when compared to NH4CI, because Acetate ions weakly complex Mg ions.

Table 1 : Minimum amounts of NH4X salt to stabilize XI ppm Mg and obtain clear solutions.

Table 2: Minimum amounts of NH4X salt to stabilize IX ppm Mg and obtain clear solutions.

Table 3: Minimum amounts of NH4X salt to stabilize 500 ppm Mg and obtain clear solutions.

The approximate minimum ratios of NH₄X:NH3 needed to stabilize Mg are given in Table 4. These ratios may decrease slightly at lower temperatures. The maximum ratios will depend on the amount of NH₄X salt required to decrease the pH of NH3 solution below 9.

Figures 1 and 2 show the comparison of pH values obtained from experiments and calculated from PHREEQC, when NH₄X salt is added to DI water containing fixed amount of NH3 (0.6 wt% here). By extrapolating this graph, maximum ratios of NH₄X:NH3 was obtained (given in Table 5).

Table 4: Approx. minimum ratio NH₄X:NH3 for stabilizing Mg

Table 5: Approximate maximum ratios of NH₄X:NH3

A combination of TDA-7PO-S04 and C15- 18IOS is an example of newly studied surfactant combination that is shown to give wide range of ultra-low IFT. However, in the presence of divalent ions such as Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺, it is shown to either phase separate or precipitate. Results in various conditions while working with this surfactant combination and NH3- NH₄Acetate/NH3-NH₄Cl buffer are shown below. The brine used for these experiments had 500 ppm Ca and 500 ppm Mg.

1. Brine+surfactants+Sodium acetate was clear up to 60,000 ppm TDS at 60 °C.

2. Brine+surfactants+l%NH3-NH₄Cl buffer (pH=9.3)+Sodium acetate was clear up to 45,000 ppm TDS at 60 °C.

3. Brine+surfactants+ NH3-NH₄Acetate (pH=9.7) was clear up to 72,000 ppm TDS at

60°C.

4. To use these alkali mixtures (NH3-NH4X) in the field, the pH should propagate in the field without significant retardation relative to the surfactant propagation. A single phase transport experiment was performed with Berea sandstone in which brine containing 1000 ppm divalent cations (500 ppm Mg²⁺, 500 ppm Ca²⁺) and NH3-NH4CI (pH adjusted to 9.25) was injected. The effluent pH after 1 pore volumes (PV) injection was about 9.21 indicating that this alkali mixture is able to propagate pH through Berea sandstone without significant retardation. The aqueous compositions discovered herein offer unexpected stability to HP AM polymer in hard brine. Thus, at 100°C, HP AM (hydro lyzed polyacrylamide) in hard brine (500ppm Ca and 500ppm Mg) in the presence of NH3/NH4Acetate buffer (e.g., 4.5 wt%

NH₄Acetate and 1.5 wt% NH3) at a pH of 9.9 stayed clear for more than two days. Performing a similar experiment with 1000 ppm Ca with just NH3 resulted in precipitation of the polymer.

NH3-NH4X alkali buffers for hard brines

The performances of NH3-NH4X alkali buffers were compared with SP floods. Ca and Mg are stable at pH<12 and pH<10, respectively (Figure 3). Ammonium acetate, a weak acid, was used to reduce the pH of ammonia below 10. Ammonium acetate, also a mild chelating agent, helps in stabilizing the hard brines. Some reactions in NH3-CH3COONH4 system are shown in Figure 4.

Amount of CH3COONH4 used: Mg concentration controls the stability of the NH3- CH3COONH4 system. Less NH₄X salt is required at low Mg concentration (Figure 5). Less NH₄X salt required at low temperatures. 1-5 wt% of NH₄X salt required to stabilize 200-2000 ppm Mg in 0.6% NH3 (Figure 5). CH3COONH4 was found to be more effective.

Phase behavior using NH3-CH3COONH4 in hard brine (Figure 6): 500 ppm of Ca and 1250 ppm of Mg were present. Sulfate+IOS surfactant blend was used. TEGBE was used as co- solvent. No Mg precipitation was observed at 58°C. pH of the ASP slug: 9.6.

Summary: ASP formulations were developed in hard brines using NH3-CH3COONH4 as alkali. pH was successfully able to propagate in Berea sandstone core (pH@l PV=9.4). Good oil recovery was observed in Berea sandstone core using this surfactant formulation. High pH propagation was also observed in Bandera brown core (which has high clay content) during single phase NH3-NH4X displacement experiment

References

[1] Analytical chemistry, Volume 1, Frederick Pearson Treadwel (pages 98-99).

[2] PHREEQC-A Computer Program for Speciation, Batch-Reaction, One-Dimensional Transport, and Inverse Geochemical Calculations by David L. Parkhurst and C.A.J. Appelo.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An aqueous composition comprising water, a surfactant, an ammonia compound and an ammonium salt or a salt blend thereof,

wherein said salt blend comprises a plurality of chemically different ammonium salts; and

wherein the molar ratio of said ammonia compound to said ammonium salt or said salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 0.1 : 1; and

wherein said ammonia compound is R¾2N, (R³)2HN, (R³)3N, or NH3, wherein R³ is unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl.

2. The aqueous composition of claim 1, wherein R³ is methyl or ethyl.

3. The aqueous composition of claim 1, wherein said ammonia compound is NH3.

4. The aqueous composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the molar ratio of said ammonia compound to said ammonium salt or said salt blend is from about 4: 1 to about 0.5: 1.

5. The aqueous composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the molar ratio of said ammonia compound to said ammonium salt or said salt blend is about 1 : 1.

6. The aqueous composition of claim 1, wherein said ammonium salt has the formula NH4⁺X^1_, wherein X^1" is CI^", Br, Γ, SO4^", substituted or unsubstituted alkyl sulfonate, substituted

O

or unsubstituted aryl sulfonate, or ^R C O ^ _wh_erein R¹ is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

7. The aqueous composition of claim 6, wherein R¹ is hydrogen unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl-substituted C1-C4 alkyl, carboxyl-substituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl-substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl, carboxyl-substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl, or unsubstituted aryl.

8. The aqueous composition of claim 6, wherein R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl.

9. The aqueous composition of claim 6, wherein R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl.

10. The aqueous composition of claim 6, wherein R¹ is methyl.

1 1. The aqueous composition of claim 6, wherein R¹ is -(CH₂)_z-OH, wherein z is an integer from 1 to 3.

12. The aqueous composition of claim 1, wherein the salt blend comprises a first ammonium salt having the formula NH₄ ⁺X^1_ and a second ammonium salt having the formula NH₄ ⁺Y^1_, wherein X^1" is CI^", Br^", Γ, S0₄ ^", substituted or unsubstituted alkyl sulfonate, substituted or

O

,_W_„

unsubstituted aryl sulfonate, or ^R C O ^ _wh_erein R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl; and wherein Y^1" is CI^", Br, Γ, S0₄ ^", substituted or unsubstituted alkyl sulfonate, substituted or

O

2

unsubstituted aryl sulfonate, or ^R J CLO - ^JJ^ _wh_erein R² is unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl.

13. The aqueous composition of claim 12, wherein the ammonium salt has the formula

O

,_W_„

NH₄ ⁺X^1_, wherein X^1" is CI^" or ^R C O ^ _wh_erein R¹ is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

14. The aqueous composition of claim 12, wherein R¹ is hydrogen unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl-substituted C1-C4 alkyl, carboxyl-substituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl-substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl, carboxyl-substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl, or unsubstituted aryl.

15. The aqueous composition of claim 12, wherein R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl.

16. The aqueous composition of claim 12, wherein R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl.

17. The aqueous composition of claim 12, wherein R¹ is methyl.

18. The aqueous composition of claim 12, wherein R¹ is -(Ο¾)ζ-ΟΗ, wherein z is an integer from 1 to 3.

O

,_W_„

19. The aqueous composition of claim 12, wherein X¹ is ^{R C 0} and Y^1" is CI^".

20. The aqueous composition of one of claims 12 or 19, wherein R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C2 alkyl.

21. The aqueous composition of one of claims 12 or 19, wherein R¹ is methyl.

22. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 21, wherein said ammonium salt or salt blend is present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w.

23. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 21, wherein said ammonium salt or salt blend is present at a concentration of at least 0.5% w/w.

24. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 21, wherein said ammonium salt or salt blend is present at a concentration of at least 1.0% w/w.

25. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 21, wherein said ammonium salt or salt blend is present at a concentration of at least 2.0% w/w.

26. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 23, wherein said surfactant is an anionic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant or a cationic surfactant.

27. The aqueous composition of claim 26, wherein said anionic surfactant is an alkoxy carboxylate surfactant, an alkoxy sulfate surfactant, an alkoxy sulfonate surfactant, an alkyl sulfonate surfactant, an aryl sulfonate surfactant or an olefin sulfonate surfactant.

28. The aqueous composition of claim 26, wherein said surfactant is an anionic surfactant.

29. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 28, further comprising a co-solvent.

30. The aqueous composition of claim 29, wherein said co-solvent is triethylene glycol mono butyl ether (TEGBE), an alcohol, an alcohol ethoxylate, a phenol-ethoxylate or an alkylamine aloxylate.

31. The aqueous composition of claim 30, wherein TEGBE is present at a concentration of about 1% w/w.

32. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 31, wherein said aqueous composition comprises an alkali agent in addition to said ammonia compound or ammonium salt or said salt blend.

33. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 31, wherein said alkali agent comprises a mono-, di-, or tri-alkyl amine, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium borate.

34. The aqueous composition of claim 32, wherein said alkali agent is methylamine, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium borate.

35. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 34, wherein said water is hard brine water.

36. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 35, further comprising a viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer.

37. The aqueous composition of claim 36, wherein said viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer is polyacrylamide or a co-polymer of polyacrylamide.

38. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 37, further comprising a gas.

39. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 38, comprising greater than 10 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined.

40. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 38, comprising greater than 100 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined.

41. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 38, comprising greater than 1000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined.

42. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 38, comprising greater than 2000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined.

43. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 38, comprising greater than 10 ppm of

Mg²⁺.

44. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 38, comprising greater than 100 ppm of

Mg²⁺.

45. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 38, comprising greater than 1000 ppm of Mg²⁺.

46. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 38, comprising greater than 2000 ppm of Mg²⁺.

47. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 46, wherein said ammonium salt is present in an amount sufficient to decrease the formation of solid magnesium hydroxide relative to the absence of said ammonium salt.

48. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 46, having a pH from about 8.5 to about 9.9.

49. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 46, having a pH from about 8.5 to about 9.5.

50. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 46, having a pH from about 9.0 to about 9.9.

51. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 46, having a pH from about 9.0 to about 9.5.

52. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 51, having a salinity of at least

1,000 ppm.

53. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 51, having a salinity of at least

5,000 ppm.

54. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 51, having a salinity of at least

50,000 ppm.

55. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 51, having a salinity of at least

150,000 ppm.

56. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 55, further comprising unrefined petroleum.

57. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 56, wherein said aqueous composition is within a petroleum reservoir.

58. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 57, wherein said petroleum reservoir is below an ocean or a sea.

59. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 58 further comprising an ionic strength adjusting agent.

60. The aqueous composition of claim 59, wherein said ionic strength adjusting agent is sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium iodide, potassium iodide, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, calcium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, or ammonium nitrate.

61. The aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 60 further comprising a chelating agent.

62. The aqueous composition of claim 61, wherein said chelating agent is EDTA.

63. An emulsion composition comprising an unrefined petroleum phase, an aqueous phase, a surfactant, an ammonia compound, and an ammonium salt or a salt blend thereof,

wherein said ammonia compound is R³H2N, (R³)2HN, (R³)3N, or NH3, wherein R³ is unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl.

64. The emulsion composition of claim 63, wherein said ammonia compound is NH3.

65. The emulsion composition of claim 63 or 64, wherein said aqueous phase is hard brine water.

66. The emulsion composition of one of claims 63 to 65, wherein said emulsion composition is a microemulsion.

67. The emulsion composition of one of claims 63 to 66, further comprising a gas.

68. A method of displacing a hydrocarbon material in contact with a solid material, said method comprising: (i) contacting a hydrocarbon material with the aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 62, wherein said hydrocarbon material is in contact with a solid material;

(ii) allowing said hydrocarbon material to separate from said solid material thereby displacing said hydrocarbon material in contact with said solid material.

69. The method of claim 68, further comprising contacting said solid material with said aqueous composition.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein said ammonia compound and said ammonium salt or said salt blend is present in an amount sufficient to decrease the adsorption of said surfactant to said solid material.

71. The method of claim 68, wherein said hydrocarbon material is unrefined petroleum in a petroleum reservoir and said solid material is a natural solid material in a petroleum reservoir.

72. The method of claim 71, wherein said method is an enhanced oil recovery method.

73. The method of claim 68, wherein said solid material is regolith or rock.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein said regolith is soil.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein said soil is petroleum contaminated soil.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein said method is an environmental oil spill clean-up method.

77. The method of claim 68, wherein said hydrocarbon material is oil and said solid material is textile material.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein said method is a textile cleaning method.

79. The method of claim 68, wherein said hydrocarbon material is oil and said solid material is a household surface.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein said method is a household cleaning method.

81. A method of converting an unrefined petroleum acid into a surfactant, said method comprising:

(i) contacting a petroleum material with the aqueous composition of one of claims 1 to 62, thereby forming an emulsion in contact with said petroleum material;

(ii) allowing an unrefined petroleum acid within said unrefined petroleum material to enter into said emulsion, thereby converting said unrefined petroleum acid into a surfactant.

82. A method for increasing the solubility of a viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer in hard brine water, said method comprising contacting said hard brine water with an ammonia compound and an ammonium salt or a salt blend thereof,

wherein said salt blend comprises a plurality of chemically different ammonium salts; wherein the molar ratio of said ammonia compound to said ammonium salt or the salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 0.1 : 1 ; and

wherein said ammonia compound is R¾2N, (R³)2HN, (R³)3N, or NH3, wherein R³ is unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl, thereby increasing said solubility of said enhancing water soluble polymer in hard brine water.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein said viscosity enhancing water soluble polymer is hydrolyzed polyacrylamide or co-polymers of acrylamide and acrylic acid.

84. A method for increasing the solubility of Ca²⁺ in hard brine water, said method comprising contacting said hard brine water with an ammonia compound and an ammonium salt or salt blend thereof;

wherein the molar ratio of ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend is from about 10: 1 to about 0.1 : 1 ; and

wherein said ammonia compound is R¾2N, (R³)2HN, (R³)3N, or NH3, wherein R³ is unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl, thereby increasing said solubility of said Ca²⁺ in hard brine water.

85. The method any one of claims 82 to 84, wherein the molar ratio of ammonia compound to the ammonium salt or the salt blend is from about 4: 1 to about 0.5: 1.

86. The method of any one of claims 82 to 85, wherein said ammonia compound is NH3.

87. The method of any one of claims 82 to 85, wherein the ammonium salt has the formula NH4⁺X^1_, wherein X^1" is CI^", Br, Γ, SO4^", substituted or unsubstituted alkyl sulfonate, substituted

O

or unsubstituted aryl sulfonate, or ^R C O ^ _wh_erem R¹ is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

88. The method of any one of claims 82 to 87, wherein R¹ is hydrogen unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl-substituted C1-C4 alkyl, carboxyl-substituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl-substituted 2- 5 membered heteroalkyl, carboxyl-substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl, or unsubstituted aryl.

89. The method of any one of claims 82 to 88, wherein the salt blend comprises a first ammonium salt having the formula NH₄ ⁺X^1_ and a second ammonium salt having the formula

NH₄ ⁺ Y^1",

wherein X^1" is CI^", Br^", Γ, S0₄ ^", substituted or unsubstituted alkyl sulfonate, substituted or

O

unsubstituted aryl sulfonate, or ^R iJ CLO - ^ _wh_erem R¹ is unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl; and wherein Y^1" is CI^", Br, Γ, S0₄ ^", substituted or unsubstituted alkyl sulfonate, substituted or

O

₂_ ll _ _„

unsubstituted aryl sulfonate, or ^R C O ^JJ^ _wh_erein R² is unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl.

90. The method of claim 89, wherein the ammonium salt has the formula NH₄ ⁺X^1_, wherein

O

X^1" is CI^" or ^R C O ^ _wh_erein R¹ is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

91. The method of claim 89, wherein R¹ is hydrogen unsubstituted Ci-C₄ alkyl, hydroxyl- substituted Ci-C₄ alkyl, carboxyl-substituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl-substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl, carboxyl-substituted 2-5 membered heteroalkyl, or unsubstituted aryl.

92. The method of claim 89, wherein X¹ is

93. The method of any one of claims 82 to 92, wherein said ammonium salt or salt blend is present at a concentration of at least 0.25% w/w.

94. The method of any one of claims 82 to 93 , wherein said hard brine water is at a pH of about 8.5 to about 9.9.

95. The method of any one of claims 82 to 94, comprising greater than 10 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined.

96. The method of any one of claims 82 to 94, comprising greater than 100 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined.

97. The method of any one of claims 82 to 94, comprising greater than 1000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined.

98. The method of any one of claims 82 to 94, comprising greater than 2000 ppm of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ combined.

99. The method of any one of claims 82 to 94, comprising greater than 10 ppm of Mg²⁺.

100. The method of any one of claims 82 to 94, comprising greater than 100 ppm of Mg²⁺.

101. The method of any one of claims 82 to 94, comprising greater than 1000 ppm of Mg²⁺.

102. The method of any one of claims 82 to 94, comprising greater than 2000 ppm of Mg²⁺.

103. The method of any one of claims 82 to 102, wherein said hard brine water is within a petroleum reservoir.

104. The method of claim 103, wherein said petroleum reservoir is at a temperature between 10°C and about 160°C.

105. The method of one of claims 103 to 104, wherein said petroleum reservoir is at a temperature of at least 40°C.

106. The method of one of claims 103 to 105, wherein said petroleum reservoir is at a temperature of at least 70°C.

107. The method of one of claims 103 to 106, wherein said petroleum reservoir is at a temperature of at least 100°C.

108. The method of one of claims 103 to 107, wherein said petroleum reservoir is at a temperature of at least 130°C.

109. The method of one of claims 103 to 108, wherein said petroleum reservoir is at a temperature of at least 160°C.