When forming a micelle, molecules such as fatty acids

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the formation of micelles, specifically involving molecules like fatty acids, detergents, and lysophospholipids. It is established that the acyl side chain, which is typically a hydrocarbon with more than 10 carbons, plays a crucial role in micelle structure. The head group interacts with water, while the hydrophobic tail forms the micelle's core. Additionally, polymer micelles are described as core-shell structures with a hydrophilic corona and a dense hydrophobic core.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of micelle formation and surfactant chemistry
  • Knowledge of hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions
  • Familiarity with polymer micelles and their applications
  • Basic concepts of molecular structure, specifically hydrocarbons
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of surfactants in micelle formation
  • Explore the properties and applications of polymer micelles
  • Learn about the self-assembly process of micelles in aqueous solutions
  • Investigate the use of micelles as drug carriers in pharmaceutical applications
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Chemists, biochemists, and materials scientists interested in surfactant behavior, micelle formation, and applications in drug delivery systems.

lha08
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Homework Statement


When forming a micelle, molecules such as fatty acids, detergents and lysophospholids form micelles on the basis that the cross sectional area of the head group (I'm guessing the polar part that interacts with water) must be greater than the acyl side chain...but what exactly is the acyl side chain? Is it a hydrocarbon?


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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Yes, the acyl side chain is a hydrocarbon (often >10 carbons long) or some other hydrophobic group.
 


Low molecular surfactants form small micelles. The head group is turned to aqueos solution, while hydrophobic tail (alcyl chain, or other) form the core of the micelles.

Polymer micelles are the core-shell structures with diluted corona from hydrophilic chains and dense core of hydrophobic chains.

There is some general information on polymer micelle self-assembly here http://softmat.net/2012/05/26/polymer-micelles-as-drug-carriers/
 

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