Double-Chain Cationic Surfactants: Swelling,Structure, Phase Transitions and Additive Effects

Double-chain amphiphilic compounds, including surfactants and lipids, have broad significance in applications like personal care and biology. A study on the phase structures and their transitions focusing on dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride (DODAC), used inter alia in hair conditioners, is presented. The phase behaviour is dominated by two bilayer lamellar phases, L_β and L_α, with “solid” and “melted” alkyl chains, respectively. In particular, the study is focused on the effect of additives of different polarity on the phase transitions and structures. The main techniques used for investigation were differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS). From the WAXS reflections, the distance between the alkyl chains in the bilayers was obtained, and from SAXS, the thicknesses of the surfactant and water layers. The L_α phase was found to have a bilayer structure, generally found for most surfactants; a L_β phase made up of bilayers with considerable chain tilting and interdigitation was also identified. Depending mainly on the polarity of the additives, their effects on the phase stabilities and structure vary. Compounds like urea have no significant effect, while fatty acids and fatty alcohols have significant effects, but which are quite different depending on the nonpolar part. In most cases, L_β and L_α phases exist over wide composition ranges; certain additives induce transitions to other phases, which include cubic, reversed hexagonal liquid crystals and bicontinuous liquid phases. For a system containing additives, which induce a significant lowering of the L_β–L_α transition, we identified the possibility of a triggered phase transition via dilution with water.     

Aqueous Phase Behavior of Diglycerol Fatty Acid Esters

We have studied the phase behavior of homologous series of diglycerol fatty acid esters (Qn‐D, for n=10, 12, 14, and 16, where n represents the carbon number in the alkyl chain length of amphiphile) in aqueous solution as a function of temperature and surfactant concentration. The different equilibrium phases present over a wide range of composition and temperature studied were characterized by means of visual observation under normal and polarized light, and x‐ray scattering techniques at small (SAXS) and wide angle (WAXS) regions. In diglycerol monocaprate (Q10‐D) and diglycerol monolaurate (Q12‐D)/H₂O systems, lamellar liquid crystal (L_α) phase is present in the surfactant rich region and it swallows an appreciable amount of water. The amount of water swallowed by the L_α phase was determined by plotting the interlayer spacing, d, as a function of reciprocal of the surfactant weight fraction W_s . In the dilute regions, dispersion of L_α phase in water is observed over a wide range of temperature. At higher temperatures, the L_α phase melts to isotropic two‐liquid phases in water rich region whereas to isotropic reverse micellar solution (O_m) in surfactant rich region. The L_α‐O_m transition temperature is increased on increasing the hydrocarbon chain length of the surfactant from Q10‐D to Q12‐D. There is surfactant solid phase in equilibrium with water up to 25°C in diglycerol monomyristate (Q14‐D)/H₂O system and the solid phase could solubilize 25 wt% water. The melting temperature of solid phase is practically constant in a wide range of compositions. Both the solid present region and the extent of water solubilization are increased in diglycerol monopalmitate (Q16‐D)/H₂O system. At lower surfactant concentrations, excess water appears and dispersion of solid in water is formed. The structure of the solid is identified by WAXS measurement and it is confirmed to α‐solid. Normal vesicular aggregates are formed in L_α+W regions in the Q14‐D/H₂O system at 25°C.     

Investigations into the formation and characterization of microemulsions. I. Phase diagrams of the ternary system water—sodium alkyl benzene sulfonate—hexanol and the quaternary system water—xylene—sodium alkyl benzene sulfonate—hexanol

The phase diagrams of the ternary system water—sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate (NaDBS)-hexanol and the quaternary system water—xylene—NADBS—hexanol have been established at three different temperatures, namely 25, 37, and 50°C. The different phases formed have been qualitatively examined using optical (phase contrast and polarizing) microscopy. The textures of the various liquid crystalline phases in the ternary system have been identified, by comparison with previous studies in the literature. Some of the liquid crystalline phases have been quantitatively assessed using low angle X-ray diffraction. The latter measurements were also used to determine the unit cell dimensions in the various phases studied. With the quaternary system, particular attention was paid to the transparent region which consisted of an L₂ (inverse micellar) phase extending into another transparent region which has a blue “tinge” in some cases, namely the microemulsion (M) region. The amount of water solubilized in the L₂ (reverse micelle) or M + L₂ phase was calculated from the phase diagrams. With the ternary system the results showed a maximum in moles of water solubilized per mole total surfactant (NaDBS + hexanol) at a concentration of 0.3 mole surfactant, at an optimum molar ratio of n-hexanol to NaDBS of 4.5:1. This maximum was about twice with the quaternary system, when compared with that of the ternary system, indicating the importance of the role of xylene in solubilization of water by the surfactants. The present investigation has also shown that the extent of the microemulsion region is significantly reduced by increases of temperature when the NaDBS is lower than 15 wt%.     

Original close-packed structure and magnetic properties of the Pb4Mn9O20 manganite

The crystal structure of the Pb₄Mn₉O₂₀ compound (previously known as “Pb_0.43MnO_2.18”) was solved from powder X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, and high resolution electron microscopy data (S.G. Pnma, a=13.8888(2) Å, b=11.2665(2) Å, c=9.9867(1) Å, R_I=0.016, R_P=0.047). The structure is based on a 6H (cch)₂ close packing of pure oxygen “h”-type (O₁₆) layers alternating with mixed “c”-type (Pb₄O₁₂) layers. The Mn atoms occupy octahedral interstices formed by the oxygen atoms of the close-packed layers. The MnO₆ octahedra share edges within the layers, whereas the octahedra in neighboring layers are linked through corner sharing. The relationship with the closely related Pb₃Mn₇O₁₅ structure is discussed. Magnetization measurements reveal a peculiar magnetic behavior with a phase transition at 52 K, a small net magnetization below the transition temperature, and a tendency towards spin freezing.     

X-ray diffraction structures of two N-salicylidene tryptophananato diaquocopper(II) complexes: erythro and threo isomers

X-ray crystal structures are reported for two novel N-salicylidene tryptophanato diaquocopper(II) isomers, [Cu(Sal-Trp)(h₂O)₂, erythro (1) and hreo (2). The coordination geometry about the copper in both complexes is approximately square-pyramidal with the tridentate Sal-Trp Schiff base ligand and the oxygen atom O(W1) of one water molecule occupying the corners of a square. The coordination sphere about the copper is completed by an axial OW(2) water molecule. In 1, O(W2) [Cu---O(W2) distance 2.25(1) Å] is at the same side of the indole ring (syn disposition—“erythro” isomer), whereas in 2 the O(W2) and the α-amino acid chain are disposed anti (“threo” isomer), with a longer Cu---O(W2) distance, 2.485 Å. IR, ESR, electronic spectral data and magnetic properties are discussed and related to the copper binding mode derived from the crystal structure determination.     

Lithium intercalation into PbNb2S5, PbNbS3, SnNb2Se5, BiVS3, SnVSe3, and PbNb2Se5 misfit layer chalcogenides

The intercalation of lithium into various misfit layer chalcogenides of two different stoichiometries was performed by using n-butyl lithium on powders. The reaction was found to proceed topochemically, and a greater expansion in the c direction and higher lithium contents were observed in the lithiated phases with “MM′₂X₅” approximate stoichiometries compared to “MM′X₃” stoichiometries. This behaviour difference is assigned to the different stacking sequence of the slices of the two sublattices formed by double layers of MX and sandwiches of M′X₂. Lattice distortions are induced during lithiation, leading to changes in the relative orientation of MS-type bilayers and to complete amorphization after long reaction times. The synthesis and partial characterization of a new misfit layer selenide of nominal composition “PbNb₂Se₅” is also reported. The value of the c-dimension (c = 37.3₇ Å) suggests a stacking sequence PbSe---NbSe₂---NbSe₂---PbSe---NbSe₂---NbSe₂, etc. This material becomes highly unstable on lithium intercalation and decomposes to its constituents after a few hours of lithiation.     

Phase Behavior and Rheological Properties of Concentrated Lecithin Aqueous Solutions with Additives

The phase behavior and rheological properties of the concentrated lecithin aqueous solutions were investigated at 37°C. When adding Isopropyl myristate (IPM) to lecithin solutions, besides an anisotropic liquid crystal (LC) phase, an isotropic liquid (L₂) region and an isotropic viscous (I) phase are found. By continuously adding Brij 97, the LC region shifts towards higher water content and the L₂ region is extended to the area of lower IPM concentration, meanwhile the I phase disappears. By analyzing the shear rate (η_γ=0.1) and yield stress (σ₀), adding IPM to lecithin solutions increases the values of η_γ=0.1 and σ₀, and after further adding Brij 97, the η_γ=0.1 and σ₀ decrease dramatically. Notably, different from the lecithin/DDAB/water system studied by Youssry and Montalvo, in lecithin/Brij 97/IPM/H₂O system, at the relatively higher water content area of the LC phase, the water content has little effect on the critical stress. It is also found that the change of dynamic storage modulus (G′) is similar with that of η_γ=0.1 and σ₀ parameters when adding IPM and Brij 97. Maxwell model fitting results show that in the LC phase, the relaxation of the water molecule is prolonged by adding IPM and Brij 97 to lecithin solutions.     

Micelle structure in isotropic aqueous colloids of a poly(oxyethylene) amphiphile C12E8

Micelle structure in aqueous colloids in the isotropic liquid phase (L₁) of a nonionic amphipile (n-dodecyl octa(oxyethylene glycol) monoether (C₁₂E₈) has been investigated as a function of concentration and temperature using light scattering (LS), viscometry, NMR, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).The spherical micelles, having a radius of 28–31 Å, remain in a wide concentration range from very dilute to ca. 42 wt %. The micelle size increases sligthly with increasing temperature in the range of 25–60 °C. In the concentrated colloids, the spherical micelles are likely to be arranged in a certain ordered structure. Even at such a high concentration as 30 wt %, the isotropic colloid shows Newtonian flow. This suggests that interaction between micelles in the ordered structure is very weak and the structure is very fragile. Moreover, coexistence of the isotropic phase and the ordered structure in L₁ phase is discussed.     

Distribution of Co(II) between immiscible phases formed in water + 1-butanol system

Heterogeneous equilibria for the distribution of Co²⁺ between the two layers formed in water + 1-butanol (1-BuOH) system have been investigated at ambient conditions. The study (confined to only 28 °C) reveals an interesting feature of the distribution equilibrium for the system whereby Co²⁺ has been found to exist in both the phases as the same species namely its aqua-complex thus directly demonstrating strong selective solvation of Co²⁺ by the water molecules. Almost constant values of refractive indices and densities were exhibited by the two layers regardless in which ratio the component liquids were mixed together. However, relative volumes of the layers varied smoothly on gradually changing the ratio of the two liquids in the overall “solvent system”. Also the Co²⁺ distribution coefficient (K_D) changed appreciably on going to alcohol-richer “solvent systems” but K_D remained fairly constant on adding different amounts of cobalt dichloride to any given “solvent system”.     

Unusual Disordering of Potassium Ions in the Structures of Cluster Rhenium Thiohalides K3[Re6S7Br7] and K4[Re6S8Cl6]

New cluster compounds — rhenium and potassium thiohalides K₃Re₆S₇Br₇ (I) and K₄Re₆S₈Cl₆ (II) — have been synthesized. Their crystal structures have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compounds are monoclinic; (I): space group P2₁/c, a = 9.32(1) Å, b = 13.528 Å, c = 12.413 Å, β = 110.21°, Z = 2, R = 0.038; (II): space group C2/m, a = 10.614 Å, b = 17.268 Å, c = 10.448 Å, β = 110.755°, Z = 2, R = 0.042. In both structures, the potassium ions are considerably distorted. The occupancies of the potassium sites are 0.17-0.34 (I) and 0. 01-0.26 (II), correlating well with the coordination numbers (c.n. 7-10 and 2-7 for I and II, respectively). In I, adjacent positions of potassium atoms are aggregated into discrete tetrahedral and angular clusters; in II, the individual (four-and six-membered) cyclic clusters of potassium sites are present along with bent chains of vertex-and edge-sharing tetrahedral “potassium clusters.” The shortest K-K distances in these “clusters” vary from 1.31 Å to 1.54 Å (I) and from 0.66 Å to 1.65 Å (II). The “instability” of the potassium site suggests that I and II are ion conductors.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by S. F. Solodovnikov, S. S. Yarovoi, Yu. V. Mironov, A. V. Virovets, and V. E. Fedorov__________Translated from Zhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 45, No. 5, pp. 909–917, September–October, 2004.     

Effect of Cyclohexane on the Phase Behavior of L64/1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate System

The triblock copolymer poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (L64, PEO₁₃PPO₃₀PEO₁₃) in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF₄]) can form lamellar liquid crystalline (L_α). The effect of apolar cyclohexane molecules on the L_α phase was investigated by using polarized optical microscopy (POM) and small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). The results of POM and SAXS show that a suitable amount of cyclohexane can contribute to the formation of lamellar liquid crystals, and the ordering of L_α phase is increased. For comparison, the effect of polar water on L_α phase was explored. After adding water, both EO groups and [BF₄]^– anion can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, which weakens the electrostatic interactions between L64 and [Bmim][BF₄] and therefore the ordering of lamellar structures is destroyed.     

[{(NiOH)2Mo10O36(PO4)Ti2}n]: a novel chainlike trimetal heteropolyanion based on pseudo-keggin fragments

A new mixed Mo/Ni/Ti heteropoly compound [C₅H₅NH]₅ [(NiOH)₂Mo₁₀O₃₆(PO₄)Ti₂] has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Black prismatic crystals crystallize in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n, a=11.2075(2), b=37.8328(5) c=13.0888(1) Å, β=101.4580(10)°, M=2276.13, V=5439.19(13) ų, Z=4. Data were collected on a Siemens SMART CCD diffractometer at 293(2) K in the range of 1.68<θ<25.09° using the ω-scan technique (λ=0.71073 Å R(F)=0.0872 for 9621 reflections). The title compound contains a trimetal heteropolyanion polymer and “trans-titanium”-bridging pseudo-Keggin fragments linked to a chain.     

Preparation and catalytic activity of titanium silicalite-1 zeolite membrane with TPABr as template

The preparation of the supported titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1) zeolite membrane with inexpensive tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPABr)/weak base synthesis system was studied by three methods, and the catalytic activity of the obtained TS-1 zeolite membrane was evaluated with the oxidation of 2-propanol (IPA) under pervaporation condition. It was found that TS-1 zeolite membrane could be successfully prepared with “seeding” or “seeding in situ” method, but could not be achieved with “in situ” method. Adding a little amount of promoter ions of PO₄³⁻ into the synthesis gel was of benefit to the catalytic activity of the prepared TS-1 zeolite membrane, but had no obvious effect on the membrane layer formation on the mullite porous support. For “seeding” method, the membrane prepared with the synthesis gel having molar composition of SiO₂:0.1TPABr:0.9Et₂NH:0.03TiO₂:80H₂O:0.06H₃PO₄ at 150 °C for 48 h showed the highest oxidation conversion of IPA of 72% accompanied by a flux of 0.35 kg/m² h. Further more, much higher IPA oxidation conversion of 76% accompanied by a flux of 0.65 kg/m² h was obtained for the TS-1 zeolite membrane prepared with the same synthesis gel by “seeding in situ” method at 150 °C for 72 h.     

The oxycarbonates Sr4(Fe2−xMnx)1+y(CO3)1−3yO6(1+y): nano, micro and average structural approach

The possibility to synthesize layered oxycarbonates, with nominal composition Sr₄Fe_2−xMn_xO₆CO₃ involving trivalent manganese, with 0≤x≤1.5, is reported for the first time. The structural study of Sr₄FeMnO₆CO₃ using NPD, HREM, Mössbauer and XANES, shows that this phase is closely related to n=3 member of the Ruddlesden–Popper family. It derives from the latter by replacing the middle layer of transition metal octahedra by triangular CO₃ groups, with two different “flag” and “coat hanger” configurations. The magnetic order is antiferromagnetic and fundamentally different from the magnetic behavior of Sr₄Fe₂O₆CO₃.     

Characterization of TaFe1.25Te3, a new layered telluride with an unusual metal network structure

The new layered material, TaFe_1+xTe₃ (0.25 < x < 0.29), has been synthesized by reaction of the constituent elements. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies show that at x = 0.25 the compound crystallizes in the space group P2₁/m (no. 11) (a = 7.436(1), B = 3.638(1), C = 10.008(1) Å, β = 109.17(1)°). The structure features an unusual Ta---Fe bonded network that contains an equal number of Ta and Fe atoms. The metal network lies between tellurium layers, forming a FeTaTe₃ “sandwich.” Additionally, x Fe atoms per formula unit partially occupy a square pyramidal site that provides interlayer bonding through the apical tellurium, which is in an adjacent “sandwich.” Selected area electron diffraction studies did not reveal any order in the partially occupied Fe positions. Electrical and magnetic measurements reveal that, at x = 0.25, the compound is an antiferromagnetic metal (T_N = 200 K) and undergoes a structural phase transition at 1010 K.     

On the ionic conductivity and phase transitions in the Li2SO4---Li2WO4 system and their relation to ion transport mechanism

Secco et al. have performed several measurements of ionic conductivity, which they have considered as “convincing evidence” that the “paddle-wheel” mechanism does not contribute significantly to ion conductivity in Li₂SO₄-based compositions. However, a comparison of their results in the high-conductivity range with those of other investigators suggests that their data are artifacts. The cause of this is that the resistance of their sulfate-rich samples is about 0.1 ohm at high temperatures. Thus, their results are reliable only for “normal,” i.e., low, conductivities. It is briefly summarized why the “paddle-wheel” mechanism for ion transport is superior to a percolation-type mechanism for a few high-conducting phases.     

Photoresist Modification of Sol–Gel Solutions for Texturing of Bi<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> and Bi<Subscript>3</Subscript>TiNbO<Subscript>9</Subscript> Thin Films

Bismuth titanate (Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂) and bismuth titanium niobate (Bi₃TiNbO₉) c-axis textured thin films were fabricated using the sol–gel processing technique. Chemical modification of precursor solutions was performed using a proprietary photosensitive chemical (photoresist). Increases in crystallinity and texture of resulting films were seen over films that were made from unmodified solutions. Analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed c-axis orientation factors for Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ near 88% and Bi₃TiNbO₉ near 63% in “modified” films. Atomic force microscopy images of films show microstructural improvement between “modified” and “unmodified” films. Images generally show smaller randomly oriented grains in “unmodified” films, and larger oriented platelet structures related to growth due to crystal habit in “modified” films. Light scattering experiments show the addition of photoresist to the precursor solution initiates accelerated particle growth. AFM imaging of soft-baked films also suggests an enhancement of texture.     

A thermodynamic interpretation of the behavior of higher fatty alcohols and acids upon the chromatographic paper

An idea was presented of treating the chromatographed substance as a “solute,” and the chromatographic system, composed of the stationary and the mobile phase as a “solvent.” Moreover the concept of “local equilibrium” was introduced, allowing to regard a given chromatographic spot as a “binary solution.” Thus a possibility arose to apply the classical thermodynamic approach, normally used for binary solutions, and namely: μ_i = μ_i + RT ln x_iƒ_i, where μ_i—chemical potential of the “i”-th compound in the solution, μ_i—chemical potential of the pure “i”-th compound, x_i-molar fraction of the “i”-th compound, ƒ_i—its activity coefficient, in a modified form, suitable for the chromatographic purpose.     

Five-coordinate pentafluorobenzothiolate osmium(IV) complexes [Os(SC6F5)4(P(C6H4X-4)3)] (X = OCH3, CH3, F, Cl or CF3): Solid and solution structural characterization

The reactions of OsO₄ with excess of HSC₆F₅ and P(C₆H₄X-4)₃ in ethanol afford the five-coordinate compounds [Os(SC₆F₅)₄(P(C₆H₄X-4)₃)] where X = OCH₃ 1a and 1b, CH₃ 2a and 2b, F 3a and 3b, Cl 4a and 4b or CF₃ 5a and 5b. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 1 to 5 exhibit a common pattern with an osmium center in a trigonal-bipyramidal coordination arrangement. The axial positions are occupied by mutually trans thiolate and phosphane ligands, while the remaining three equatorial positions are occupied by three thiolate ligands. The three pentafluorophenyl rings of the equatorial ligands are directed upwards, away from the axial phosphane ligand in the arrangement “3-up” (isomers a). On the other hand, ³¹P{¹H} and ¹⁹F NMR studies at room temperature reveal the presence of two isomers in solution: The “3-up” isomer (a) with the three C₆F₅-rings of the equatorial ligands directed towards the axial thiolate ligand, and the “2-up, 1-down” isomer (b) with two C₆F₅-rings of the equatorial ligands directed towards the axial thiolate and the C₆F₅-ring of the third equatorial ligand directed towards the axial phosphane. Bidimensional ¹⁹F–¹⁹F NMR studies encompass the two sub-spectra for the isomers a (“3-up”) and b (“2-up, 1-down”). Variable temperature ¹⁹F NMR experiments showed that these isomers are fluxional. Thus, the ¹⁹F NMR sub-spectra for the “2-up, 1-down” isomers (b) at room temperature indicate that the two S-C₆F₅ ligands in the 2-up equatorial positions have restricted rotation about their C–S bonds, but this rotation becomes free as the temperature increases. Room temperature ¹⁹F NMR spectra of 3 and 5 also indicate restricted rotation around the Os–P bonds in the “2-up, 1-down” isomers (b). In addition, as the temperature increases, the ¹⁹F NMR spectra tend to be consistent with an increased rate of the isomeric exchange. Variable temperature ³¹P{¹H} NMR studies also confirm that, as the temperature is increased, the a and b isomeric exchange becomes fast on the NMR time scale.     

Lanthanide-organic frameworks constructed from multi-functional ligands: Syntheses, structures, near-infrared and visible photoluminescence properties

A series of multi-functional ligands supported lanthanide-organic frameworks, formulated as [Ln(HL₁)(H₂L₂)_0.5(H₄L₂)_0.5(H₂O)]·(H₂O)_1.5·{Ln=La (1), Pr (2), Nd (3), Sm (4), Eu (5); H₃L₁=5-Sulfosaclicylic acid; H₄L₂=N,N′-piperazine (bis-methylene phosphonic acid)}, have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions. Single crystal X-ray diffractions and powder XRD patterns confirm they are isostructural. They feature 3D framework structures based on extension of a “zigzag” inorganic chain by organic linkers. Moreover, the photoluminescence properties of 5 and 3 have been investigated, and they show strong solid-state emissions in the visible and near-infrared (IR) regions at room temperature.