EVIDENCE OF COMPARTMENTALIZATION OF NAPHTHOLS IN MICROEMULSIONS FROM FLUORESCENCE QUENCHING STUDY

The fluorescence characteristics of 1- and 2-naphthols (1-ROH and 2-RO H) and their corresponding naphtholates (1-RO- and 2-RO-) have been st udied in NaLS-isobutanol-hexane-water microemulsions. On excitation, 1 -ROH dissociates completely and 2-ROH partially in water. In microemul sion system, however, on excitation 2-ROH does not undergo any dissoci ation whereas 1-ROH dissociates partially. The extent of dissociation of 1-ROH varies with changing microemulsion formulation. This phenomen on and the fluorescence quenching characteristics of naphthols and the corresponding naphtholates with carbon tetrachloride have been explai ned as due to compartmentalization of fluorophores and quencher in mic roemulsion media.