Complexes based on palmitic acid and nitrogen-containing compounds (monoethanolamine
and triethylenetetramine) were synthesized. The synthesized complexes were taken to react with
different moles of propylene oxide (1, 2 and 3) to form propoxylated compounds (surfactants). Some
of physico-chemical indices of the prepared compounds such as solubility, acid and amine numbers as
well as electrical conductivity have been determined. Surface-active properties (interfacial tension) of
the obtained complexes were investigated by the stalagmometric method. Surface properties studied
included critical micelle concentration (CMC), maximum surface excess (Cmax), and minimum surface
area (Amin). Free energies of micellization (DG

mic) and adsorption (DG

ads) were calculated. Petroleumcollecting
and dispersing properties of the synthesized and propoxylated complexes in diluted (5 wt.%
aq. solution) and undiluted form in waters of varying salinity have been studied. FTIR spectra, C13
and H1NMR spectra confirm the compound structure.