Investigation of 1-alkanols in organised solutions

Abstract

Conductometric behaviour of 1-alkanols (C₅-C₁₀) in organised solutions of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) is investigated. Interaction of each alkanol with anionic surfactant is reflected in terms of association constants, K_c. It is observed that self-assembly of SDBS is induced by the alkanol addition. The depression in critical micelle concentration (CMC) of SDBS caused by each alkanol is translated to partition coefficient, K_c by using interaction coefficient. The dimensionless partition coefficient, K_x is utilized to highlight the energy efficiency of the solubilization process. The results indicate that even longer chain alkanols prefer interfacial area for their residence. The relative solubility of each alkanol is enhanced with increasing SDBS concentration. Such basic information could be vital for development of nano-scale assemblies for specific delivery of water soluble drugs.

KEY WORDS: SDBS, Alcohols, Partition coefficient, Relative solubility, Conductometry

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2011, 25(3), 469-474.