Alkylsulfides of Ag(I) and Au(I) as Metallosurfactants

Abstract

Several representative, interfacially active silver(I) nitrate alkylsulfide complexes were synthesized and characterized in detail. The complexes form extended structures in the solid state and in solution. Interestingly, a two-phase approach, in which aqueous silver nitrate is combined with organically dissolved sulfides, leads to the in situ formation of the complexes at the water-organic interface and a strong reduction of the surface tension. Despite their low solubility in water or organic solvent, these complexes are capable of stabilizing eicosane emulsions and dispersions in water. Thus, these silver nitrate alkyl sulfides represent a new class of metallosurfactants in which the metal ion is crucial for the interfacial activity. Gold(I) chloride alkyl sulfides show the same effect to a lesser extent.