N-lauroyl-ethylenediamine chelates: Preparation and evaluation of surface tension and dispersant properties

A chelate surfactant was synthesized having a hydrophobic alkyl group and hydrophilic metal ion bonded to the former in the chelate configuration, and its properties were investigated. N-lauroyl-ethylenediamine (LEDA) was used as the hydrophobic chelating agent and salts of some transitional metals (e.g. iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and chromium) were reacted therewith. The reaction of LEDA with ferric sulfate on 1:1 equivalent reaction ratio afforded Fe(LEDA) (H₂O)₄]3/2SO₄. In other reactions pure chelates were not obtained, but the products showed good surface activity.