Synthesis and Spectrophotometric Study of Toxic Metals Extraction by Novel Thio-Based Non-Ionic Surfactant

Abstract

AbstractA new thio-based non-ionic surfactant 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-3-te-tradecanoylthiourea has been synthesized from potassium thiocyanate, tetradecanoyl chloride and 3-chloroanaline. The purity of the compound was characterized by techniques like 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FT-IR. The compound was used to detect the toxic metals like copper, mercury and manganese by using UV-Visible spectrophotometric technique. The compound is able to act as a ligand as well to form micelles. Due to this the compound extracts these toxic metals in form of solubilization and complexation. The extracted metals settle down to the bottom in a water tank. The visible change in color with time proves the interaction of the compound with the metals. The compound having carbonyl as well as sulfur groups have soft corner to metal for complexation. This will be used to remove toxic metals from polluted soil and soft drinking surface and underground water. The surfactant is easily synthesized, very economical and environmentally acceptable. The CMC of the surfactant is also determined.