- #1
superwolf
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How do you interpret this?
Colloidal chemistry - interpretation of lecture notes
- Thread starter superwolf
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the interpretation of lecture notes related to colloidal chemistry, specifically focusing on the formation and behavior of micelles in relation to surfactant molecules, temperature, and electrolytes. The scope includes conceptual clarifications and technical explanations.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose that more than 8 surfactant molecules are necessary to form a functional micelle.
- Others suggest that the behavior of non-ionic surfactants is influenced by the temperature of the solution.
- It is noted that ionic surfactants are affected by the presence of electrolytes in the solution.
- A later reply indicates that at least 8 carbons in the alkyl chain are needed for stable micelle formation, while acknowledging that C7 compounds might still form micelles under certain conditions.
- Participants discuss that changes in temperature can lead to different behaviors in non-ionic surfactants, including variations in critical micelle concentration (CMC), and that ionic surfactants also experience changes due to electrolytes and temperature, though they are less sensitive to temperature variations.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express some agreement on the necessity of a certain number of surfactant molecules for micelle formation, but there are varying interpretations regarding the specific conditions and behaviors of non-ionic versus ionic surfactants. The discussion remains unresolved on some points.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations regarding assumptions about the conditions under which micelles form, the specific definitions of surfactant behavior, and the mathematical relationships involved in determining CMC.
How do you interpret this?
- #2
anisotropic
- 59
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My guess is:
- Greater than 8 surfactant molecules are required to form a functional micelle.
- Non-ionic surfactant behaviour is affected by solution temperature.
- Ionic surfactant behaviour is affected by electrolytes in solution.
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- #3
superwolf
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Seems reasonable :)
- #4
chemisttree
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What it really means is that you need at least 8 carbons in your alkyl chain before you start to form stable micelles. It isn't impossible for C7 compounds to do it but http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jm00228a025"
The other part of your notes can be interpreted as: As you change the temperature in solutions of non-ionic surfactants you can see different behavior (different behavior = changes in CMC for example). In ionic surfactants, electrolytes can cause these changes as well (as does temperature but they are not as sensitive to temperature as the non-ionic ones).
The other part of your notes can be interpreted as: As you change the temperature in solutions of non-ionic surfactants you can see different behavior (different behavior = changes in CMC for example). In ionic surfactants, electrolytes can cause these changes as well (as does temperature but they are not as sensitive to temperature as the non-ionic ones).
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