Amphiphilic molecules

Question 1

Describe amphiphilic molecules interactions with water

Answer 1

Only polar heads contact with water, hydrophobic tails shielded from water

Question 2

Describe amphiphilic molecules interactions with solvents

Answer 2

hydrophobic tails - arrange themselves as close as possible to each other to minimised water contact
=> hydrophilic head- separate as far as possible
=> Up to CMC surfactants accumulate at surface as monolayer

Question 3

Describe how the V/AL ratio determined the shape of the molecule

Answer 3

V/AL ratio
- <1/3 = spherical micelles formed ;
1/2 < x < 1 = bilayers formed