Metallosurfactants of Cu(II) and Fe(III) complexes as catalysts for the destruction of paraoxon

Two micellized Cu(II) and Fe(III) ion complexes of octadecyl diethylene tri-1-amide are used as nucleophilic reagents in the cleavage of the phosphate ester paraoxon. These complexes form metallomicelles, which coordinate with the paraoxon phosphorous (chemically similar to the nerve agent sarin). Association colloids (e.g., micelles, microemulsions, or vesicles) increase the rate of the nucleophilic reaction. Hence, it is reasonable to examine the hydrolysis process of paraoxon in aqueous metallonnicelles. As micelles form and incorporate reactants, the rate constant should change; therefore, the rate constant should be affected by the critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of Cu(II) and Fe(III) complexes. The concentrations tested were the CIVIC value, two values lower, and two values higher. The CMC was found to be the most reactive concentration. The kinetic data (half-life times) for paraoxon degradation were 6.1 and 28.8 min in the presence of the Cu(II) and the Fe(III) metallonnicelle complex, respectively. The stability constants of the metal complexes showed large values that denoted significant stability for both complexes.