Synthesis of new surface-active ammonium-type complexes based on palmitic acid for removing thin petroleum films from water surface

Complexes based on palmitic acid and nitrogen-containing compounds (monoethanolamine and triethylenetetramine) were synthesized. The synthesized complexes were taken to react with different moles of propylene oxide (1, 2 and 3) to form propoxylated compounds (surfactants). Some of physico-chemical indices of the prepared compounds such as solubility, acid and amine numbers as well as electrical conductivity have been determined. Surface-active properties (interfacial tension) of the obtained complexes were investigated by the stalagmometric method. Surface properties studied included critical micelle concentration (CMC), maximum surface excess (Γmax), and minimum surface area (Amin). Free energies of micellization (ΔGmic°) and adsorption (ΔGads°) were calculated. Petroleum-collecting and dispersing properties of the synthesized and propoxylated complexes in diluted (5 wt.% aq. solution) and undiluted form in waters of varying salinity have been studied. FTIR spectra, C13 and H1NMR spectra confirm the compound structure.