This study investigates the synthesis of various transition metal salts based on natural petroleum acid and their performance as antistatic additives in diesel distillate. Since electrostatic charging of petroleum products poses fire and explosion hazards, increasing fuel electrical conductivity is essential for safe charge dissipation. Metal–organic compounds are therefore considered effective antistatic agents.
Cobalt, manganese, nickel, zinc, and copper salts of natural petroleum acid were synthesized via a neutralization reaction. The reaction products were separated, the solvent was removed by distillation, and the corresponding metal soaps were obtained. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR spectroscopy.
The metal salts were added to diesel distillate at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.15%. Electrical conductivity was measured using an EL-4M conductivity meter in accordance with relevant standards. Untreated diesel fuel exhibited conductivity values of 72–77 pS/m.
The addition of the metal salts significantly increased electrical conductivity. Nickel and zinc salts showed the highest efficiency, with the nickel salt at 0.15% raising conductivity to 1850 pS/m. These results indicate that metal salts of natural petroleum acid, particularly the nickel salt, are promising antistatic additives with potential for industrial application in improving the safety of diesel fuel storage and transportation.