Synthesis and comparative behaviour study of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon cationic surfactants in aqueous media

A series of perfluorinated cationic surfactants and their corresponding hydrocarbon ones whose general formula is C_nX_2n+1-C(O)NH-(CH₂)₃-N⁺Me₃, I⁻, with X = F, H and n = 9, 11, have been synthesized via two steps. Their aggregative and surface-active properties were studied in aqueous solution using tensiometry and conductimetry. The critical micelle concentrations and the molecular areas at the air/water interface of fluorinated surfactants are lower than those of their hydrocarbon homologues. Micellar aggregation numbers and geometric packing parameters have been investigated. The results indicated that fluorocarbon surfactants tend to form lamellar aggregates while the hydrocarbon ones associate into spherical aggregates.     

Synthesis and Properties of New Tricephalic Tetrasiloxane Surfactants Containing Carbohydrate and Hydrocarbon Chain

A new family of tricephalic tetrasiloxane surfactants containing carbohydrate and hydrocarbon chain (SiC(n + 1)N-GA, in which n + 1 represents a hydrocarbon chain length of 1, 8, 12, 16), was synthesized using two-step method. Their structures were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR). Their surface activities and aggregation properties in aqueous solution were investigated by surface tension measurements, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The results indicated that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of these surfactants increased and the surface tension (γ_CMC) at the CMC decreased with an increase in the number of hydrocarbon chain, and they can self-assemble into spherical micelles with average diameters in the range from 5 to 200 nm, which are smaller than for single-headed surfactants.     

Design and synthesis of the novel branched fluorinated surfactant intermediates with CF3CF2CF2C(CF3)2 group

Here we reported a novel and efficient method for the synthesis of the critical intermediates of branched fluorinated surfactants with CF₃CF₂CF₂C (CF₃)₂- group using HFPD as starting material. The reaction conditions were mild and easy to handle, which was promisingly applied to the industrial production.     

The effect of hydrophobic-lipophilic interactions on chemical reactivity: 3. Contributions of lipophilic interactions to the binding of hydrocarbon substrates by amylose-type hosts and of hydrophobic interactions to the binding of fluorocarbon surfactants by β-cyclodextrin

With cyclodextrins (α- and β-CD) and sodium carboxymethylamylose (Na-CMA) as hosts, and with H (CF₂)₁₂CO₃K (1), CH₂ (CH₂)₁₀CO₂K (2), CI (CF₂)₈CH₂CH₂N+Me₃I- (3), CH₃CH₂)₆-CH₂N+Me₃I- (4), Cl(CF₂)₁₀CH₂CH₂N+Me₃I- (5) and CH₃ (CH₂)10 CH₂N+Me₃I- (6) as guest substrates, the different behaviors of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon surfactants have been studied by surface tension measurements. Limited cavity size prevents the inclusion of fluorocarbon surfactants by α-CD, but the binding by β-CD is stronger for the fluorocarbon substrate 3 than that for its hydrocarbon analog 4. A comparison of the thermodynamic parameters of the β-CD binding process for 3 and 6 reveals that for the former the binding is driven by entropy or hydrophobic forces, but for the latter the process is enthalpy-favored. Notably, Na-CMA fails to bind the fluorocarbon substrates. A crucial difference between the cyclodextrins and the amylose-type hosts lies in the fact that the former hosts possess pre-organized cavities whereas the latter have to readjust their conformations from loose and extended helices with random coils to interrupted helices during the process of binding. Apparently, this extra energy requirement demands contributions from lipophilic interactions which do not exist between fluorocarbon chains and the hosts. Thus lipophilic forces are significant in hydrophobic-lipophilic interactions.     

Synthesis and properties of gemini-type hydrocarbon-fluorocarbon hybrid surfactants

Gemini-type hybrid surfactants with two fluorocarbon chains connected through a hydrocarbon spacer, F(CF₂)_m(CH₂)₂CH(OSO₃Na)(CH₂)_nCH(OSO₃Na)(CH₂)₂(CF₂)_mF [Fm(Hn)FmOS, m = 4, 6; n = 5, 6, 7, 8)], were synthesized and their surface chemical properties were examined with the aim to have highly functional and highly water-soluble fluorinated surfactants when compared with the conventional fluorinated surfactants. Comparisons of the surface chemical properties of the synthesized gemini-type hybrid surfactants with those of monounit-type hybrid surfactants, F(CF₂)_m(CH₂)₂CH(OSO₃Na)(CH₂)_nH [FmEHnOS, m = 4, 6; n = 3, 5)], revealed that gemination causes a remarkable lowering (about 1/100) in cmc value while it produces little changes in Krafft point (below 0 °C) and surface tension at cmc (γ_cmc).     

Syntheses and properties of ethoxylated double‐tail trisiloxane surfactants containing a propanetrioxy spacer

A new type of ethoxylated double‐tail trisiloxane surfactants containing a propanetrioxy spacer of the general formula ROCH₂CH(OR)CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)_xCH₃ [R = Me₃SiOSiMe(CH₂)₃OSiMe₃, x = 8.4, 12.9, 22] has been synthesized. Their structures were characterized by ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR and ²⁹Si‐NMR spectroscopy. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of these double‐tail trisiloxane surfactants were at the level of 10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹, and the surface tension values of their aqueous solutions at CMC were in the range of 21‐24.9 mN m⁻¹. Only the double‐tail trisiloxane surfactant with average ethoxy units of 8.4 ( 1P ) possesseda good spreading ability (SA) value. Its SA values of aqueous solutions (5.0 × 10⁻³ mol l⁻¹) on parafilm and Ficus microcarpa leaf surfaces were more than 15 (within 10 min) and 13 (within 3 min), respectively. The trisiloxane surfactant 1P was also found to have the strongest hydrolysis resistant ability among all of the double‐tail trisiloxane surfactants prepared. Its aqueous solutions were stable for 130 days in an acidic environment (pH 4.0) and 59 days in an alkaline environment (pH 10.0) with surface tension values less than 23 mN m⁻¹. It is suggested that this surfactant can be used as a wetting agent or spreading agent in certain extreme pH environments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and combined properties of novel fluorinated cationic surfactants derived from hexafluoropropylene dimer

Three novel fluorinated surfactants with branched short fluorinated tails as hydrophobic groups, ammonium oxide as polar groups are prepared. Surface tension measurement shows that these fluorinated surfactants are ideal compounds to design new formulations in fire-fighting field.     

The unusual micelle micropolarity of partially fluorinated gemini surfactants sensed by pyrene fluorescence

New gemini surfactants having two fluorocarbon chains were prepared by refluxing partially fluorinated alkyl bromide with N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-1,6-diaminohexane in acetonitrile. The partially fluorinated gemini surfactants containing a six-methylene spacer chain are easily soluble in water. The critical micelle concentrations (cmc's) were determined by various fluorescent probe methods. The hydrophobicity of a CF2 group was estimated to be 1.5 times that of a CH2 group according to the cmc values. The micelle micropolarity of a fluorocarbon gemini sensed by pyrene fluorescence was unusually high, suggesting an apparent iceberg-like environment in the location of pyrene. The significantly small micelle aggregation numbers of fluorinated gemini surfactants were ascertained by the pyrene fluorescence quenching method. The micelle ionization degree estimated by fluorescence quenching of 6-methoxy-N-(3-sulfopropyl)quinolinium (SPQ) gave tendencies similar to those of the corresponding hydrocarbon geminis.     

Thermodynamics of micellization for partially fluorinated cationic gemini surfactants and related single-chain surfactants in aqueous solution

A series of partially fluorinated cationic gemini surfactants and their corresponding monomeric surfactants have been studied by isothermal titration microcalorimetry. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) and enthalpy of micellization (DeltaH(mic)) were obtained from calorimetric curves. The CMCs of the gemini surfactants are much lower than those of the corresponding monomeric surfactants and decrease with an increase in the number of fluorine atoms on the hydrophobic chain. The micellization of partially fluorinated cationic gemini surfactants is much more exothermic than that of the corresponding monomeric surfactants. Because of the incompatibility of hydrocarbon spacer and partially fluorinated chain, DeltaH(mic) values of the surfactants with a C6 spacer are more negative than those of the surfactants with a C12 spacer. The variations in the architecture of the fluorocarbon chain segments may be the reason of the irregularities in the change of DeltaH(mic) for the gemini surfactants. Moreover, the contribution of the enthalpy generally increases with an increase in the number of fluorine atoms.     

Surface-Induced dissociation from a liquid surface

Mass-selected projectile ions in the tens of electronvolt energy range undergo surface-induced dissociation upon collision with a liquid perfluorinated polyether (PFPE) surface. The efficiency of translational-to-vibrational (T-V) energy transfer is similar to that observed for a fluorinated self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surface. The thermometer ion W(CO)^’ was used to detenrrine an average T-V conversion efficiency of 18% in the collision energy range of 30–50 eV. The surface can be bombarded for several hours without displaying any change in the scattered ion products. Ion-surface reactions occur with some projectiles and are analogous to those seen with the fluorinated SAM surface. For example, WF _? ⁺ (m=1–5) and W(CO)_nF _? ⁺ (n=1–2, m=1–2) are generated upon collisions of W(CO) ₆ ⁺ with the PFPE liquid surface. The ion-surface reactions observed suggest that F atoms and/or CF₃ groups are accessible for reaction while the oxygen atoms lie below the outermost surface layer. Chemical sputtering of the liquid surface also occurs and yields common fluorocarbon fragment ions, including CF ₃ ⁺ , C₂F ₅ ⁺ , and C₃F ₇ ⁺ and the oxygenated product CFO⁺. The liquid surface is remarkably free of hydrocarbon impurities. Collisions of the pyrazine and benzene molecular ions, both probes for hydrocarbon impurities, resulted in very little protonated pyrazine or protonated benzene.     

Fluorinated comblike homopolymers: The effect of spacer lengths on surface properties

A series of polyacrylate monomers with F‐alkylalkyl [F(CF₂)_n(CH₂)_n′] side groups were prepared by free‐radical polymerization. The effect of the chemical structure on the surface properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)s was evaluated by variations in the relative length of the fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon units in the side group. The resulting polymers were quite surface‐active in the solid state. The surface and bulk organization was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. A strong correlation between the bulk organization and surface properties of the polymers was established. The outmost layer, formed from trifluoromethyl groups and some ester functions, suggests that the side chain is arranged irregularly in the polymer–air interface. The length of the lateral chain governs this organization: long fluorinated chains and short hydrocarbon spacers are essential elements of the molecular design for such low‐surface‐energy materials. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 3737–3747, 2005     

Fluorocarbon polymerizable surfactants: viscometric behavior, micellar polymerization and interactions with associating polymers

 The micellar aggregation of two fluorocarbon surfactants bearing a polymerizable acrylamido group and differing only in the degree of amido substitution (CONH or CONC₂H₅) has been investigated by viscometry. The two surfactants exhibit distinct solution properties with a micellar growth occurring at a much lower concentration for the N-monosubstituted sample which shows in addition a shear thickening and rheopectic behavior. The ability of the latter surfactant to form hydrogen bonding is responsible for this difference in behavior. Micellar copolymerization of acrylamide with these surfactants or with a hydrocarbon analogue gives copolymers with a polysoap-like behavior. The copolymers in aqueous solution show a pronounced intramolecular hydrophobic aggregation expressed by relatively low-viscosity values when compared with those of other hydrophobically modified water-soluble polymers reported in the literature. Surfactant–polymer mixed systems do not show a strong incompatibility between fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon moieties. Received: 24 March 1998 Accepted: 30 June 1998     

Rate constants of OH radical reactions in gas phase with some fluorinated compounds: A correlation with molecular parameters

For a number of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), E_He^z has been found to have a linear correlation with each of the following: (i) log (k/n); (ii) A/n; and (iii) E_a/R, where E_H = HOMO energy of the molecule, z = average fractional positive charge on the abstractable hydrogen atom in the molecule, k = rate constant of the gas-phase H abstraction reaction of the molecule with OH radical at 298 K, n = number of abstractable H atoms in the molecule, A = preexponential factor, and E_a/R = activation temperature of the said reaction. These correlations have been used to estimate the temperature dependent rate constants for the reactions of OH radical with CF₃CF₂CH₂CH₂CF₂CF₃, CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₂CF₃, CF₃CF₂CH₂CH₂F, CF₃CH₂CH₃, CF₃CH₂CHF₂, CF₃CHFCH₂F, and CHF₂CHFCHF₂ as {6.97 × 10⁻¹³ exp(1481/T)}, {5.43 × 10⁻¹³ exp(1754/T)}, {7.95 × 10⁻¹³ exp(l308/T)}, {8.0 × 10⁻¹³ exp(1300/T)}, {7.03 × 10⁻¹³ exp(1470/T)}, {7.33 × 10⁻¹³ exp(1417/T)}, and {8.09 × 10⁻¹³ exp(1285/T)}, respectively. These have not yet been measured experimentally. Linear correlation between E_He^z and log (k/n) has also been observed for nine halogen substituted acetaldehydes. On the other hand, E_H is found to have a better linear correlation with log (k/n) than E_He^z in the case of fluorinated ethers and alcohols where the available experimental data are at present limited. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 29: 187–194, 1997.     

Fluorinated tris(pyrazolyl)borates. Syntheses and characterization of sodium and copper complexes of [HB(3-(CF3),5-(Ph)Pz)3]−

Sodium salt of the fluorinated tris(pyrazolyl)borate ligand [HB(3-(CF₃),5-(Ph)Pz)₃]⁻ has been synthesized from the corresponding pyrazole and NaBH₄ in high yield. It forms stable adducts with oxygen-based donors like THF and water. [HB(3-(CF₃),5-(Ph)Pz)₃]Na(THF) is monomeric in the solid state whereas {[HB(3-(CF₃),5-(Ph)Pz)₃]Na(H₂O)}_n forms a polymeric chain structure. These tris(pyrazolyl)boratosodium adducts show intra and/or inter-molecular sodium–fluorine interactions. X-ray crystal structures of [HB(3,5-(CF₃)₂Pz)₃]Na(OEt₂) and {[HB(3-(CF₃),5-(CH₃)Pz)₃]Na(H₂O)}₂ also display similar CF⋯Na contacts. The copper carbon monoxide complex [HB(3-(CF₃),5-(Ph)Pz)₃]CuCO was prepared by treating [HB(3-(CF₃),5-(Ph)Pz)₃]Na(THF) with CuOTf in the presence of CO. The infra-red stretching frequency data show relatively high ν_CO value (2103 cm⁻¹) indicating the presence of highly electrophilic copper site on [HB(3-(CF₃),5-(Ph)Pz)₃]CuCO. Crystal structure of 3-(CF₃),5-(Ph)PzH is also reported. It forms “tub” shaped tetramers in the solid state.     

Synthesis of gemini surfactants with twelve symmetric fluorine atoms and one singlet F MR signal as novel F MRI agents

A family of fluorinated gemini surfactants derived from perfluoropinacol has been synthesized as novel ¹⁹F magnetic resonance imaging (¹⁹F MRI) agents. These fluorinated surfactants with 12 symmetric fluorine atoms and one singlet ¹⁹F MR peak can be conveniently prepared from perfluoropinacol and oligo(ethylene glycols) on multi-gram scales. Solubility, hydrophilicity (log P), and critical micelle concentration (CMC) measurements of these fluorinated surfactants indicated that high aqueous solubility can be achieved by introducing oligo(ethylene glycols) with appropriate length into perfluoropinacol, i.e., manipulating the fluorine content (F%). One of these fluorinated surfactants with high aqueous solubility and excellent ¹⁹F MR properties has been identified by ¹⁹F MRI phantom experiments as a promising ¹⁹F MRI agent.     

Highly fluorinated graphite prepared from graphite fluoride formed using BF3 catalyst

Fluorinated graphites (CF_0.47) were obtained by reaction at room temperature of fluorine gas with graphite in the presence of boron trifluoride and hydrogen fluoride as catalysts. Their thermal treatments under fluorine at temperatures up to 600 °C lead to a progressive increase of the fluorine level resulting in an highly fluorinated graphite (CF_1.02). Whatever the fluorination level, a stage one fluorine-graphite intercalation compound is obtained. The sp² carbon hybridization is maintained for treatment temperature below 300 °C and two types of structure coexist for T_T in the range 350-550 °C. Finally, above 550 °C, carbon hybridization is sp³.The resulting materials were studied by ¹¹B, ¹H, and ¹⁹F NMR and EPR at different experimental temperatures giving informations about the intercalated fluoride species, the temperature of their removal from the host fluorocarbon matrix, as well as their mobility.     

Stability of AgIII towards Halides in Organosilver(III) Complexes

The involvement of silver in two-electron Ag^I/Ag^III processes is currently emerging. However, the range of stability of the required and uncommon Ag^III species is virtually unknown. Here, the stability of Ag^III towards the whole set of halide ligands in the organosilver(III) complex frame [(CF₃)₃AgX]⁻ (X=F, Cl, Br, I, At) is theoretically analyzed. The results obtained depend on a single factor: the nature of X. Even the softest and least electronegative halides (I and At) are found to form reasonably stable Ag^III−X bonds. Our estimates were confirmed by experiment. The whole series of nonradiative halide complexes [PPh₄][(CF₃)₃AgX] (X=F, Cl, Br, I) has been experimentally prepared and all its constituents have been isolated in pure form. The pseudohalides [PPh₄][(CF₃)₃AgCN] and [PPh₄][(CF₃)₃Ag(N₃)] have also been isolated, the latter being the first silver(III) azido complex. Except for the iodo compound, all the crystal and molecular structures have been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The decomposition paths of the [(CF₃)₃AgX]⁻ entities at the unimolecular level have been examined in the gas phase by multistage mass spectrometry (MSⁿ). The experimental detection of the two series of mixed complexes [CF₃AgX]⁻ and [FAgX]⁻ arising from the corresponding parent species [(CF₃)₃AgX]⁻ demonstrate that the Ag−X bond is particularly robust. Our experimental observations are rationalized with the aid of theoretical methods. Smooth variation with the electronegativity of X is also observed in the thermolyses of bulk samples. The thermal stability in the solid state gradually decreases from X=F (145 °C, dec.) to X=I (78 °C, dec.) The experimentally established compatibility of Ag^III with the heaviest halides is of particular relevance to silver-mediated or silver-catalyzed processes.     

New Architecture of Liquid‐Crystalline Polymers from Fluorinated Vinylcyclopropanes

A new class of fluorinated polymers was prepared by radical ring‐opening homopolymerization of vinylcyclopropane monomers with a perfluorinated (CF₂)_nF chain (n = 6, 8, or 10). The polymers were in fact copolymers composed of 1,5‐linear and cyclobutane isomer units, the relative content of which depended on n. Surprisingly, they formed liquid‐crystalline mesophases (SmB_d and/or SmA_d), which was attributed to phase separation of the incompatible fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon components of the repeat unit.     

Cyclopolymerization of perfluoroisopropenyl vinylacetate

To develop the polymerization exploiting the interconversion of fluorinated carbon radical to hydrocarbon radical, the radical cyclopolymerization of perfluoroisopropenyl vinylacetate [CF₂?C(CF₃)OCOCH₂CH?CH₂] (FIA) was investigated to afford a polymer possessing mainly five‐membered ring structure with bimodal molecular weight distribution having 1 × 10⁵ as the higher molecular weight. This may be the first example wherein the cyclopolymerization between usual allyl group and fluorinated vinyl group is performed. The degree of cyclization was between 70 and 80% determined by ¹⁹F NMR of as‐polymerized products. The polymer preparation from perfluoroisopropenyl group, which shows scarce homopolymerization reactivity was accomplished. The mechanism that the addition of hydrocarbon radical to perfluoroisopropenyl group to produce fluorinated carbon radical followed by the intramolecular addition reaction onto allyl group to form five‐membered ring is proposed. The hydrolysis of the FIA polymer afforded a polymer possessing hydrophobic fluoroalkyl group with hydrophilic hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3220–3232, 2006     

Fluorocarbon Separation in a Thermally Robust Zirconium Carboxylate Metal–Organic Framework

Fluorocarbons have important applications in industry, but are environmentally unfriendly, and can cause ozone depletion and contribute to the global warming with long atmospheric lifetimes and high global warming potential. In this work, the metal–organic framework UiO‐66(Zr) is demonstrated to have excellent performance characteristics to separate fluorocarbon mixtures at room temperature. Adsorption isotherm measurements of UiO‐66(Zr) display high fluorocarbon sorption uptakes of 5.0 mmol g^?1 for R22 (CHClF₂), 4.6 mmol g^?1 for R125 (CHF₂CF₃), and 2.9 mmol g^?1 for R32 (CH₂F₂) at 298 K and 1 bar. Breakthrough data obtained for binary (R22/R32 and R32/R125) and ternary (R32/R125/R134a) mixtures reveal high selectivities and capacities of UiO‐66(Zr) for the separation and recycling of these fluorocarbon mixtures. Furthermore, the UiO‐66(Zr) saturated with R22 and R125 can be regenerated at temperatures as low as 120 °C with excellent desorption–adsorption cycling stabilities.