The infrared results suggest that cobalt(II) laurate is ionic in chara
cter and the fatty acid exists as a dimer. The X-ray analysis reveals
that the metal soap has a single layer structure. The absorption spect
ra of the solutions of cobalt(II)laurate in a mixture of 80% benzene a
nd 20% methanol (V/V) are characterised by absorption maxima near 360
and 540 nm. The plots of various physical properties (Viz. conductivit
y, density and viscosity) versus soap concentration exhibit an interse
ction of two straight lines at a definite soap concentration, called t
he critical micelle concentration (CMC) of these soap solutions.