Aggregation phenomena mixed micelles

This localization phenomenon has also been shown to be important in a case of catalysis by premicellar aggregates. In such a case [ ] premicellar aggregates of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) were shown to enhance tire rate of tire Fe(III) catalysed oxidation of sulphanilic acid by potassium periodate in tire presence of 1,10-phenantliroline as activator. This chemistry provides a lowering of tire detection limit for Fe(III) by seven orders of magnitude. It must also be appreciated, however, tliat such premicellar aggregates of CPC actually constitute mixed micelles of CPC and 1,10-phenantliroline tliat are smaller tlian conventional CPC micelles. 

The quantity of insoluble substance which can be solubilised in micelles depends to a considerable extent on the chemical structure of the surfactant and is influenced by the presence of other components, which may influence either the micelle formation concentration (CMC) or the micelle geometry (aggregation number, shape). The transition from solubilisation to another important phenomenon, the formation of a micro-emulsions, is continuous. Microemulsions form spontaneously, whereas typical solubilisation systems attain their equilibrium state often only after extreme long periods of intensive mixing of both phases. 

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