The Biodegradabilities of Different Oil-Based Fatliquors

The biodegradabilities of different oil-based fatliquors derived from rape oil, fish oil, castor oil or mineral oil variants were investigated by evaluating the respiration curves, BOD₅/COD values, COD (chemical oxygen demand) and TOC (total organic carbon) removal ratios. Simultaneously, degradation kinetics of the fatliquors were also studied. The results indicated that the BOD₅/COD values and the COD and TOC removal ratios of all the natural oil based products are higher than 0.45 and 85%, respectively, implying that all of them are biodegradable. The mineral oil based fatliquors have lower than 0.2 and 10% values, showing unbiodegradable characteristics and were used as the control. The biodegradability order is castor oil > fish oil > rape oil > mineral oil product. Further study indicated that the differences in biodegradability result from the varying fatty acid composition (such as ricinoleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids). The higher the active group content, the more beneficial for modification reactions and result in a higher biodegradation rate. The degradation kinetics studies revealed that the degradation rate constants (k) of castor oil, fish oil and rape oil products are 0.87, 0.84 and 0.81 d⁻¹ for the sulfated fatliquor, and 0.95, 0.93, 0.85 d⁻¹ for the oxidized–sulfited fatliquors, respectively; indicating that the overall degradation rate followed the same trend as the biodegradability order where castor oil > fish oil > rape oil, whether the fatliquors underwent modification as sulfated or oxidized–sulfited.     

Thermal decomposition of 3,3,6,6,9,9-hexaethyl-1,2,4,5,7,8-hexaoxacyclononane in solution and its use in methyl methacrylate polymerization

The kinetics of the thermal decomposition reaction of diethylketone triperoxide (3,3,6,6,9,9-hexaethyl-1,2,4,5,7,8-hexaoxacyclononane, DEKTP) in ethylbenzene solution were studied in the temperature range of 120.0–150.0 °C and at an initial concentration range of 0.01–0.10 M. This peroxide was used as a new initiator in methyl methacrylate (MMA) polymerization process at high temperatures (110.0–140.0 °C) in ethylbenzene solution. The effects of initiator concentration and reaction temperature on the polymerization rate were investigated in detail. Thus, activation parameters of the solution polymerization process (ΔE _d* = 83.3 kJ mol⁻¹ and ΔE _p* − ΔE _t*/2 = 54.0 kJ mol⁻¹) will be obtained. DEKTP can effectively act as initiator in MMA polymerization and its performance is similar to that presented by a multifunctional initiator resulting in high-molecular weight polymethylmethacrylate with a high reaction rate.     

Application of arrhenius kinetics to evaluate oxidative stability in vegetable oils by isothermal differential scanning calorimetry

In this study, 10 different vegetable oils were oxidized at four different isothermal temperatures (383, 393, 403, and 413 K) in a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The protocol involved oxidizing vegetable oils in a DSC cell with oxygen flow. A rapid increase in evolved heat was observed with an exothermic heat flow appearing during initiation of the oxidation reaction. From this resulting exotherm, the onset of oxidation time (T _o) was determined graphically by the DSC instrument. In our experimental data, linear relationships were determined by extrapolation of the log (T _o) against isothermal temperature. The rates of lipid oxidation were highly correlated with temperature. In addition, based on the Arrhenius equation and activated complex theory, reaction rate constants (k), activation energies (E _a), activation enthalpies (ΔH ^‡), and activation entropies (ΔS ^‡) for oxidative stability of vegetable oils were calculated. The E _a′, ΔH ^‡, and ΔS ^‡ for all vegetable oils ranged from 79 to −104 kJ mol⁻¹, from 76 to −101 kJ mol⁻¹, and from −99 to −20 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, respectively. Based on the results obtained, differential scanning calorimetry appears to be a useful new instrumental method for kinetic analysis of lipid oxidation in vegetable oil.     

Bleaching kinetics of sunflowerseed oil

The bleaching process for sunflowerseed oil follows a rate formula, log (A/A ₀)=−κ , according to absorbance measurements. The dark color of crude oil converts to a light color as the absorbance value decreases. The activation energy E _a was calculated from the Arrhenius equation as 3 kJ, and other activation thermodynamic parameters were determined as ΔS ^⊄=−4.4 J K⁻¹, ΔH ^⊄=−31.2 J mol⁻¹, and ΔG ^⊄=1.6 kJ mol⁻¹. The study showed that the bleaching process was exothermic, presented a decrease of entropy, and was a nonspontaneous process during activation.     

A Novel Dinucleating Ligand-Containing Hexabenzimidazoles and Its Dinuclear Zinc Complex Bridged by a Carboxylate Group for the Hydrolysis of 2-Hydroxypropyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate

A dinuclear zinc(II) complex with the ligand bis{tris[2-(1-methylbenzimidazole-2-yl)ethyl]-methylamine}nitrilotriacetic acid sodium salt, L, was synthesized and characterized. Complex formation of L with Zn²⁺ in aqueous acetone was studied by Zn²⁺ titration using ¹H NMR and UV–vis spectroscopies. Analysis of the titration data indicates the formation of a dizinc complex. The ν_as(COO⁻) and ν_s(COO⁻) stretches were observed at 1572 and 1450 cm⁻¹, respectively. The low separation of the stretches, Δ_exp = 115 cm⁻¹, is an indication of chelating coordination of the carboxylate group between the two zinc(II) ions. The catalytic activity of [LZn₂]³⁺ 1, as a model for phosphatase that catalyze chemical transformation of phosphate ester, in the hydrolysis of the RNA model, 2-hydroxypropyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate, was examined in aqueous acetone buffer solution, pH 7.0–9.5. The mechanism of the catalytic hydrolysis suggests that the rate of acceleration is due to what is called double Lewis acid activation.     

Molecular Spin Ladders Constructed from [Ni(dmit)2]− Building Blocks: Synthesis, Structure and Physical Properties

Abstract  A new ion-pair complex [1-(4-bromobenzyl)-3-methylpyridinium][Ni(dmit)₂] (1), in which dmit = 4,5-dimercapto-1,3-dithiole-2-thione, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The anions of [Ni(dmit)₂]⁻ stack into dimers, which further construct into a two-leg ladder through lateral S···S interactions. The weak H-bonding interactions of C–H···S and van de Waals interactions between anion and cations were observed. The magnetic susceptibilities measured from 2–300 K indicate an AFM exchange interaction domination and an AFM ordering below ~8 K. The best fit to magnetic susceptibility above 40 K, using a dimer model with s = ?, gives rise to Δ/k_B = 29.8 K, zJ′ = −0.72 K, C = 3.40 × 10⁻³ emu K mol⁻¹ and χ ₀ = −5.8 × 10⁻⁶ emu mol⁻¹ with a fixed g = 2.0. Cyclovoltammetry revealed two quasi-reversible one-electron steps, which are attributed to Ni(IV/III) and Ni(III/II) redox couples. Graphical Abstract  [A novel complex [1-(4-bromobenzyl)-3-methylpyridinium][Ni(dmit)₂] has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The anions of [Ni(dmit)₂]⁻ stack into dimers, which further construct into two-leg ladder through lateral S···S interactions. The weak H–bonding interactions of C–H···S and van de Waals interactions between anion and cations were observed. Moreover, its magnetic property and electrochemical property have been investigated] .     

Fatty Acid Composition,Oxidative Stability,and Radical Scavenging Activity of Vegetable Oil Blends with Coconut Oil

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) contains 55–65% oil, having C12:0 as the major fatty acid. Coconut oil has >90% saturates and is deficient in monounsaturates (6%), polyunsaturates (1%), and total tocopherols (29 mg/kg). However, coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids (58%), which are easily absorbed into the body. Therefore, blends of coconut oil (20–80% incorporation of coconut oil) with other vegetable oils (i.e. palm, rice bran, sesame, mustard, sunflower, groundnut, safflower, and soybean) were prepared. Consequently, seven blends prepared for coconut oil consumers contained improved amounts of monounsaturates (8–36%, p < 0.03), polyunsaturates (4–35%, p < 0.03), total tocopherols (111–582 mg/kg, p < 0.02), and 5–33% (p < 0.02) of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals) scavenging activity. In addition, seven blends prepared for non-coconut oil consumers contained 11–13% of medium chain fatty acids. Coconut oil + sunflower oil and coconut oil + rice bran oil blends also exhibited 36.7–89.7% (p < 0.0005) and 66.4–80.5% (p < 0.0313) reductions in peroxide formation in comparison to the individual sunflower oil and rice bran oil, respectively. It was concluded that blending coconut oil with other vegetable oils provides medium chain fatty acids and oxidative stability to the blends, while coconut oil will be enriched with polyunsaturates, monounsaturates, natural antioxidants, and a greater radical scavenging activity.     

Determination of Underivatized Long Chain Fatty Acids Using HPLC with an Evaporative Light-Scattering Detector

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method with an evaporative light-scattering detector has been developed for the separation and quantitative analysis of four underivatized long chain fatty acids in four different oil matrices. An isocratic elution mode using methanol/water/acetic acid and an Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 analytical column was used. Calibration curves of the four fatty acids (FA) were well correlated (r ² > 0.999) within the range of 1–10 mg mL⁻¹ for linoleic acid, 0.8–10 mg mL⁻¹ for stearic acid and 0.5–10 mg mL⁻¹ for the other FA. Four oil samples were examined; camellia oil, olive oil, Brucea javanica oil and sesame oil. Good agreement was found with the standard gas chromatographic (GC) method. The proposed method offers distinct advantages over the official GC method; better separation and precision, and the sample components do not need to be derivatized.     

Kinetic Study of the Prooxidant Effect of α-Tocopherol. Hydrogen Abstraction from Lipids by α-Tocopheroxyl Radical

A kinetic study of the prooxidant effect of α-tocopherol was performed. The rates of allylic hydrogen abstraction from various unsaturated fatty acid esters (ethyl stearate 1, ethyl oleate 2, ethyl linoleate 3, ethyl linolenate 4, and ethyl arachidonate 5) by α-tocopheroxyl radical in toluene were determined, using a double-mixing stopped-flow spectrophotometer. The second-order rate constants (k _p) obtained are <1 × 10⁻² M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 1, 1.90 × 10⁻² M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 2, 8.33 × 10⁻² M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 3, 1.92 × 10⁻¹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 4, and 2.43 × 10⁻¹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 5 at 25.0 °C. Fatty acid esters 3, 4, and 5 contain two, four, and six –CH₂– hydrogen atoms activated by two π-electron systems (–C=C–CH₂–C=C–). On the other hand, fatty acid ester 2 has four –CH₂– hydrogen atoms activated by a single π-electron system (–CH₂–C=C–CH₂–). Thus, the rate constants, k _abstr/H, given on an available hydrogen basis are k _p/4 = 4.75 × 10⁻³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 2, k _p/2 = 4.16 × 10⁻² M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 3, k _p/4 = 4.79 × 10⁻² M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 4, and k _p/6 = 4.05 × 10⁻² M⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 5. The k _abstr/H values obtained for 3, 4, and 5 are similar to each other, and are by about one order of magnitude higher than that for 2. From these results, it is suggested that the prooxidant effect of α-tocopherol in edible oils, fats, and low-density lipoproteins may be induced by the above hydrogen abstraction reaction.     

Improved catalytic hydrolysis of carboxy methyl cellulose using cellulase immobilized on functionalized meso cellular foam

Cellulase from Penicillium funiculosum was immobilized on functionalized MCF (Meso Cellular Foam) silica by imine bond formation followed by reduction using NaBH₄. The specific activities of free and immobilized enzyme were measured for hydrolysis of soluble carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The highest activity of MCF immobilized and native enzyme was obtained at optimum pH 5 and 4.5 respectively. Kinetic parameters, Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) and maximum reaction velocity (Vmax), were calculated as Km = 0.025 × 10⁻² mg/mL, Vmax = 5.327 × 10⁻³ U/mg for the free enzyme and Km = 0.024 × 10⁻² mg/mL, Vmax = 9.794 × 10⁻³ U/mg for MCF immobilized enzyme respectively. The reusability of immobilized enzymes showed that 66% of its activity is retained even after 15 cycles. The availability of polar groups (–NH–, –OH) and large pore size of surface modified MCF could be electrostatically stabilizing the cellulase. Functionalized MCF was found to be a promising material for stabilizing cellulase with 16.4 wt% loading of enzyme.     

Physical Properties of Rice Bran Wax in Bulk and Organogels

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical microscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to examine the thermal behavior, crystal structure, and crystal morphology of rice bran wax (RBX) in bulk and oil–wax mixtures, and to compare them with those of carnauba wax (CRX) and candellila wax (CLX). The RBX employed in the present study was separated from rice bran oil by winterization, filtration, refinement, bleaching, and deodorization. The RBX crystals melted in the bulk state at 77–79 °C with ΔH _melting = 190.5 J/g, which is quite large compared with CLX (129 J/g) and CRX (137.6 J/g). XRD data of the RBX crystals revealed O_⊥ subcell packing and a long spacing value of 6.9 nm. Thin long needle-shaped crystals were observed in the mixtures of RBX and liquid oils [olive oil and salad oil (canola:soy bean oil = 50:50)]; therefore, the dispersion of RBX crystals in these liquid oils was much finer than that of CRX and CLX crystals. Organogels formed when the mixture of every plant wax and liquid oil was melted at elevated temperature and cooled to ambient temperature. However, the mixture of RBX and olive oil at a concentration ratio of 1:99 wt.% formed an organogel at 20 °C, whereas the lowest concentration necessary for CRX to form an organogel in olive oil was 4 wt.% and that for CLX was 2 wt.%. Observation of the rate of gel formation using DSC and viscosity measurements indicated that the gel structure formed soon after RBX crystallized, whereas a time delay was observed between the organogel formation and wax crystallization of CRX and CLX. These results demonstrate RBX’s good organogel-forming properties, mostly because of its fine dispersion of long needle like crystals in liquid oil phases.     

Photoelectrochemical characterization of the synthetic crednerite CuMnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

High quality crednerite CuMnO₂ was prepared by solid state reaction at 950 °C under argon flow. The oxide crystallizes in a monoclinically distorted delafossite structure associated to the static Jahn–Teller (J–T) effect of Mn³⁺ ion. Thermal analysis showed that it converts reversibly to spinel Cu _x Mn_3−x O₄ at ~420 °C in air and further heating reform the crednerite above 940 °C. CuMnO₂ is p-type, narrow semiconductor band gap with a direct optical gap of 1.31 eV. It exhibits a long-term chemical stability in basic medium (KOH 0.5 M), the semi logarithmic plot gave an exchange current density of 0.2 μA cm⁻² and a corrosion potential of ~−0.1 V_SCE. The electrochemical oxygen insertion/desinsertion is evidenced from the intensity–potential characteristics. The flat band potential (V _fb = −0.26 V_SCE) and the holes density (N _A  = 5.12 × 10¹⁸ cm⁻³) were determined, respectively, by extrapolating the curve C ⁻² versus the potential to the intersection with C ⁻²  = 0 and from the slope of the Mott–Schottky plot. From photoelectrochemical measurements, the valence band formed from Cu-3d wave function is positioned at 5.24 ± 0.02 eV below vacuum. The Nyquist representation shows straight line in the high frequency range with an angle of 65° ascribed to Warburg impedance originating from oxygen intercalation and compatible with a system under mass transfer control. The electrochemical junction is modeled by an equivalent electrical circuit thanks to the Randles model.     

Synthesis, Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Novel Anion-Radical Salt Based on TCNQ

Abstract  

A novel anion-radical salt, (Bbzim)(TCNQ)_1.5·CH₃CN (1), (where Bbzim = 1,3-bis(4-cyanobenzyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium and TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) has been fabricated and X-ray single crystal structural analyses. The structure analysis show there exist TCNQ⁻¹ and TCNQ⁰ entries, which are in agreement with the IR spectra analysis of the compound. Two TCNQ (A) and one TCNQ (B) molecules stack into a triad, and the triads further develop into a column in a pattern ···ABA···ABA··· along a-axis. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility (2–300 K) for 1 exhibits spin gap of singlet–triplet feature, and the best fit gave the Δ/k_B = 1236.5 K.     

Conformational analysis for hydrated ethylene oxide oligomer models by quantum chemical calculations

Hydrate effects on the conformations of ethylene oxide oligomers (EO-x, x = 1–8 mers) were examined using quantum chemical calculations (QCC). Conformational analyses were carried out by RHF/6-31G. The models were constructed by locating a water molecule to each ether–oxygen in the structures optimized for non-hydrate oligomers. Hydrate ratio, h (h = H₂O_mol/O_{mol in oligomer}), was set from 0 to 1.0. The six type conformations with repeated units of O–C, C–C and C–O bonds were examined. Conformational energy, E _c (HF), was calculated as difference between the energy of oligomer with water molecules and that of non-hydrogen and/or hydrogen bonding water molecules. Hydrate energies for each conformer, ∆μ _h (kcal/m.u., based on E _c in non-hydrate state), were negative and linearly decreased with the increase of h values, and such effects with the increase of h values were weaken with increasing x values. These results were consistent with our previous results calculated using the permittivity, ε (ε = 0–80.1), by QCC. In non-hydrate (h = 0), the (ttt) _x conformers were the most stable independent of x. However, in hydrate states (h = 0.44–0.67), the (tg⁺t) _x conformers were the most stable independent of x values, and in h = 1, the (tg⁺t)₈ conformer (8-mer) was most stable [∆E _c(g) = −1.3 kcal/m.u., ∆E _c(g): energy difference between a given oligomer and the (ttt) _x oligomer]. These results supported the experimental those based on NMR analyses using dimethoxyethane and triglyme solutions. Molecular lengths (l) of (tg⁺t) _x , (tg⁺g⁻) _x and (g⁺g⁺g⁺) _x conformers having higher x values significantly decreased with increasing h values. Such contraction with hydration, however, was independent of ΔE _c(g) values of each conformer.     

Vertical distribution of heavy metals in wastewater-irrigated vegetable garden soils of three West African cities

Application of untreated wastewater to irrigate urban vegetable gardens is raising serious concern about possible health risks associated with the consumption of these vegetables particularly with regard to the concentrations of heavy metals (HM) in their edible portions. The soil concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn), were investigated in seven vegetable gardens from the three West African cities of Kano (Nigeria), Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) and Sikasso (Mali). Also determined were input–output balances of Cd and Zn from five vegetable gardens under 30 years of wastewater irrigation in Kano. In these gardens Cd (2.3–4.8 mg kg⁻¹) and Zn (13–285 mg kg⁻¹) concentrations throughout the profile attained unsafe levels. The concentrations of Cu (0.8–18 mg kg⁻¹), Cr (1.8–72 mg kg⁻¹), Ni (0–17 mg kg⁻¹) and Pb (0.6–46 mg kg⁻¹) were below the safety thresholds for arable soils. Overall, concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb and Ni were higher in Kano than in Bobo-Dioulasso and Sikasso. Input–output analyses in Kano indicated that irrigation wastewater contributed annually 400–3,700 g Cd ha⁻¹ and 7,200–22,300 g Zn ha⁻¹, fertilizer 30–2,100 g Cd ha⁻¹ 50–17,600 g Zn ha⁻¹, harmattan dust 0.02–0.4 g Cd ha⁻¹ and 40–200 g Zn ha⁻¹ while 300–500 g Cd ha⁻¹ and 2,700–4,700 g Zn ha⁻¹ came from rainwater inputs. Input–output calculations subtracting the amounts of HM taken out in vegetable biomass and that lost to leaching from total inputs yielded an annual net positive balance of 700–4,160 g Cd ha⁻¹ and 9,350–39,700 g Zn ha⁻¹. If such balances remain unchanged for another 10–20 years vegetables raised in these garden fields are likely to be unsuitable for human consumption.     

Electrochemical properties of amorphous Li<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5−<Emphasis Type="Italic">y</Emphasis></Subscript> thin film deposited by r.f.-sputtering

The electrochemical properties of amorphous vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) thin films deposited by reactive r.f.-sputtering were investigated using galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT). As x in Li _x V₂O_5−y increased (x = 0–2.0), the electromotive force of the lithium (Li)∣1 M LiClO₄–propylene carbonate∣Li _x V₂O_5−y cell decreased gradually without a potential plateau or an abrupt potential reduction, demonstrating that an irreversible structural change did not occur in the entire Li content. Chemical diffusivity of the Li ion in the Li _x V₂O_5−y thin film measured using GITT was determined to be 4 × 10⁻¹³–7 × 10⁻¹⁴ cm² s⁻¹ in the Li content range investigated.     

Influence of operating variables on yield and quality parameters of olive husk oil extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide

Supercritical fluid extraction is a viable alternative process for extracting oil from olive husk, a residue obtained in the olive oil production. We analyzed the effects of pressure (P) (100–300 bar), temperature (T) (40–60°C), solvent flow (1–1.5 L/min), and particle size (D) (0.30–0.55 mm) on extraction yield, and three oil-quality parameters: acidity (OA), PV, and phosphorus content (PC). A response surface methodology based on the statistical analysis of the experimental data permitted us to obtain mathematical expressions relating the operational variables and parameters studied. At the best extraction condition of the experimental range analyzed (P=300 bar, T=60°C, D=0.30 mm, and solvent flow=1.25 L/min at standard conditions), the oil yield was 80% (w/w) with respect to hexane extraction, whereas the quality parameters OA, PV, and PC were 14% (w/w), 8 meq/kg, and 2.3·10⁻³% (w/w), respectively. These results were compared to those obtained by hexane Soxhlet extraction. The quality of the supercritical extract was superior, requiring only simple refining. This advantage may result in improved economics of the supercritical process in relation to the conventional extraction with hexane.     

Direct sampling of orujo oil for determining residual hexane by using a chemsensor

Hexane is used to extract edible oils from oleaginous seeds. The detection of hexane in orujo oil is mandatory, as its presence in the final product may negatively affect human health. Headspace-GC is the technique of choice for determining residual solvent in foods. In the present work, a new instrument based on the headspace principle and mass spectrometric detection without chromatographic separation, ChemSensor, is proposed for the direct screening of orujo oil to determine residual hexane. This instrument provided an overall response, corresponding to the volatiles profile, including that of hexane, which could not be directly discriminated. By selecting the m/z values corresponding to n-hexane (major component of commercial hexane), the selectivity of the method was good enough to determine residual hexane in the range of 2.0–65 μg mL⁻¹ (corresponding to 2.3–75.6 mg of hexane per kg of oil) with high precision. The detection limit achieved (0.7 mg per kg of oil) was lower than the maximum residual limit established by the European Union (5 mg per kg of oil). Two multivariate techniques, partial least squares and principal components regression (PCR), were compared with univariate regression; PCR provided the best results.     

Determination of phospholipids in vegetable oil by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

A method was developed to determine the total phospholipid content in vegetable oil by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Calibration curves of I-α-phosphatidylcholine (PC), I-α-phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and I-α-phosphatidylinositol (PI) in hexane were generated at different concentrations. The optimal phospholipid absorption bands between 1200–970 cm⁻¹ were identified and used for quantitative determination. High R ²≥0.968 were observed between band areas and phospholipid standard concentrations. Phospholipids from crude soybean oil were obtained by water degumming, and purification was performed on a silicic acid column. The phospholipid contents of purified phospholipid extract, degummed and crude soybean oil determined from calibration equations were >90, 0.0113, and 1.77%, respectively. High correlations of determination (R ²≥0.933) were observed between the FTIR method and thin-layer chromatography-imaging densitometry method for the determination of phospholipid content. FTIR was found to be a useful analytical tool for simple and rapid quantitative determination of phospholipids in vegetable oil.     

Ferrocene-Based Cationic Surfactants: Surface and Antimicrobial Properties

A 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) _n CH₃]₂, where n = 9, 11, or 15 and Fc[SO₃^{− +}NH(CH₃)₂(CH₂) _n CH₃]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 (π _CMC), efficiency (Pc₂₀), maximum surface excess (Г_max), and minimum surface area (A _min) 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.