Ferrocene‐Based Cationic Surfactants: Surface and Antimicrobial Properties

Abstract

AbstractA novel series of ferrocenyl surfactants was synthesized by the reaction of ferrocene disulfonic acid with different primary and tertiary fatty amines to produce the corresponding ammonium salts Fc[SO3−+NH3(CH2)nCH3]2, where n = 9, 11, or 15 and Fc[SO3− +NH(CH3)2(CH2)nCH3]2, where n = 7 or 11, respectively, and where Fc = ferrocene. Chemical structures were confirmed by microelemental analysis, FTIR, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The critical micelle concentration of each prepared surfactant was determined using equilibrium surface tension. Furthermore, air/water interface parameters including effectiveness (πCMC), efficiency (Pc20), maximum surface excess (Гmax), and minimum surface area (Amin) were determined at 30, 40, and 50 °C. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔS°, and ΔH°) for both micellization and adsorption processes were recorded. The new synthesized surfactants were screened as antimicrobial agents against different bacterial and fungal organisms.