Complex Formation of Odd-Number Surfactants with Biphenyl

5 Complex Formation of Odd-Number Surfactants with Biphenyl [54] 

In the previous sections, all described complexes were formed between the aromatic compounds and surfactant molecules which have alkyl groups with even-number carbon atoms, such as hexadecyl, tetradecyl, dodecyl and decyl groups. These even-carbon-chain surfactants are utilized widely in vitro and are commercially available. However, there are several odd-carbon-chain fatty acids in vivo, although most fatty acids have even-carbon chains. The former acids are digested in the rumen of ruminants. The odd-carbon-chain surfactants were synthesized from the corresponding odd-carbon-chain fatty acids [56-58]. Two kinds of surfactant molecules with alkyl groups of odd-number carbon atoms, pentadecyl- and tridecyltrimethylammonium bromides (PTAB and TTAB, respectively), were prepared and their complexes with biphenyl were formed. The crystals were obtained from aqueous solutions. 

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