Estimation of the critical micelle concentrations and the aggregation numbers of sodium alkyl sulfates by capillary-type isotachophoresis

The analytical procedure for the separation and quantification of bulk and micellar phases for sodium alkyl sulfates has been investigated by a capillary-type isotachophoresis using a potential gradient detector. Monomer solutions were distinguished from micellar solutions at pH 5.5–6.0; hydrochloric acid — L-Histidine mixture was used as the leading electrolyte and 2-(N-Morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid as the terminating electrolyte.The potential unit value (PU value) due to the monomer solutions was larger than that due to the micellar solutions. The zone length due to monomer solutions increased with increasing concentration of surfactant until a given concentration (CMC); beyond this point the values became constant. On the other hand, the zone length due to micellar solutions increased from this point. We report an applicability of capillary-type isotachophoresis to determination of the CMC's and aggregation number for various sodium alkyl sulfates.