The present disclosure provides derivatives of amino acids that have branched alkyl structures and surface-active properties. The amino acid can be naturally-occurring or synthetic, or they may be obtained via a ring-opening reaction of a lactam, such as caprolactam. The amino acid may be functionalized to form a compound that is surface-active and have advantageous surfactant characteristics. The compounds of the present disclosure have low critical micelle concentrations (CMC) as well as superior ability to lower the surface tension of a liquid.