Effect of cationic micelles on the kinetics of interaction of ninhydrin with L-leucine and L-phenylalanine

The effect of cationic micelles of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) an d N-cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) on the interaction of L-leucine and L-phe nylalanine with ninhydrin have been studied at 70 degrees C, Both surfactan ts strongly catalyze the reactions. The reaction rates are higher in CTAB m icelles than in CPB micelles. Quantitative kinetic analysis has been perfor med on the basis of a pseudo-phase model. The influence of different salts on the reaction rates has also been seen and it is found that tightly bound /incorporated counterions are the most effective. (C) 1999 Academic Press.