Synthesis and analysis of a novel magnetic surfactant

Researchers in the University of Mississippi Chemical Engineering Department have suggested that chelation of a large magnetic transition metal, namely dysprosium, into the large polar head group of a surfactant could result in a magnetic surfactant. This project was aimed at synthesizing a surfactant with a large enough head group and negative charge (specifically EDTA) to support this ion and demonstrating that the chelation process was successful. If so, the molecule would ideally be capable of forming micelles which could extract oily substances from water using a strong magnet—possibly applicable to environmental crises like oil spills.NMR analysis has suggested, but not confirmed, that the synthesis of the pre-chelate surfactant has been successful. Discrepancies from expected results are also addressed. As magnetic compounds cannot be analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance, mass and IR spectroscopy will be used to compare intermediates with the final product. Future analysis may include X-ray crystallography, as well as investigation of chelate and micellar properties.