Colloids with basic character

B. Colloids with basic character which carry only basic groups such as —... 

The amphoteric colloids will at very low pH behave practically as " ionised colloids with basic character at high pH just as acid colloids , while in the intermediate region positive and negative charges occur together and just equilibrate one another at the isoelectric point (I. E. P.). 

According to the colloid scientist Winsor, surfactants are defined as compounds which possess in the same molecule distinct regions of hydrophilic and lipophilic character. For example, in the oleate ion there is an alkyl chain that is basically hydrophobic (lipophilic tail) and a COO" headgroup that is hydrophilic (lipo-phobic). Being amphiphilic in nature, surfactants have the ability to modify the interface between various phases [66]. Their effects on the interface are the result of their ability to orient themselves in accordance with the polarities of the two opposing phases. The polar part can be expected to be oriented towards the more polar (hydrophilic, aqueous) phase, whereas the nonpolar tails should direct towards the nonpolar (lipophilic, oil) phase. 

In addition to dissolving in acids, freshly precipitated niobium pentoxide dissolves in caustic soda and in caustic potash, and hence it appears to possess weakly amphoteric character. Its colloidal state in solution has hitherto prevented any direct determination of its basicity or acidity. According to Weinland and Storz 6 it is comparable to silicic acid, and is more strongly acid than titanic add. That niobic add is a very weak add is shown by the readiness with which the niobates are (a) hydrolysed and (b) decomposed by mineral acids,... 

Biltz found further that where acid and basic dyestuffs had opposite charges and were mutually precipitated, the formation of an insoluble chemical combination could be assumed. This corresponds to what is known of acid and basic dyestuffs in the state of crystalloids namely that they unite, and when the combination is insoluble a precipitate is of course formed. Doubtless such reactions occur in the case of many dyestuffs. The more colloidal the character of these dyestuffs the more nearly will the laws of colloidal reaction obtain. Moreover Biltz has pointed out that with colloids of the nature of gold such chemical reactions are not possible. Nevertheless colloidal gold is precipitated by positively charged dyestuffs. The cause is doubtless the neutralization of the charge on the particles. For further particulars attention is called to Chapter XI. 

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