The invention relates to compounds of formula: ##STR1## in which m, n, p and q are equal to 0 or 1, p being different from q and the sum m+n+p+q being equal to 2, A denotes a nonionic chain arrangement chosen from the groups:--C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O--.sub.rand/or--C.sub.3 H.sub.5 (OH)O--.sub.s,in whichr denotes a number which can assume all integral values between 0 and 5 or a statistical average value between 0 and 20,s denotes a number which can assume all integral values between 0 and 5 or a statistical average value between 0 and 10,u is equal to 0 to 1, with the restriction that when u=0, s and r are also zero,R denotes(i) a linear or branched hydrocarbon radical which has 1 to 32 carbon atoms and can contain one or more oxygen atoms in the chain or bear one or more OH groups or(ii) a (C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 alkyl)phenyl radical.These compounds can be used for preparing stable chemical compounds, for conveying active substances or for forming vesicles.