Synthesis, Characterization, and Computational Study of New Ferrocene‐Based Schiff Bases as Potential Nonionic Surfactants

Ferrocene-based nonionic surfactants were synthesized by reacting ferrocenylcarboxyaldehyde with different long-chain amines. Nonionic surfactants were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), (HNMR)-H-1, and (CNMR)-C-13 spectroscopy. The ferrocene-based surfactants were characterized using ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy and surface tension measurements to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The CMC values indicate high aggregation ability of the synthesized surfactants in ethanol. Dominance of their hydrophilic character was ensured from hydrophilic-lipophilic balance in the 10-15 range. Voltammetric response of all surfactants showed well-defined and stable redox signals. Computational studies further revealed their physicochemical characteristics. Results of the study confirm the multifunctionality of the surfactants and suggest utilization in various fields.