EFFECT OF ORGANIC COUNTERIONS ON THE SURFACE-ACTIVITY, MICELLAR FORMATION AND SOLUBILIZING BEHAVIOR OF A CATIONIC SURFACTANT

The effect of 18 organic anions (aliphatic and aromatic, both mono-and dicarboxylates) on the surface and micellar behaviour of cetyltrimeth yl-ammomium bromide (CTAB) in aqueous solution has been examined by su rface tension and dye-solubilization measurements. The effect of these counter-ions as observed from surface activity, critical micelle conc entration and dye solubilizing efficiency is examined in terms of thei r condensation/penetration onto/into the micelles. Ions which show str ong condensation onto the micelle surface or are capable of being easi ly incorporated into the micelles show greater surface activity, lower CMC and higher dye solubilization efficiency of CTAB.