Binding of methyl orange and its homologs by polyion complexes in aqueous solution

Polyion complexes of sodium poly(methacrylate) and piperidinium cationic polymers I], which are insoluble in water and have an equal number of positive and negative charges, bind organic anions (methyl orange, ethyl orange, propyl orange, butyl orange, and pentyl orange) in aqueous solution. The strength of the binding is enhanced by an increase in the hydrophobicity of the polyion complex and the small cosolute. Moreover, strong cooperative interactions appear with increased uptake of the small molecule. Urea and an inorganic electrolyte (KCl) were examined for their effect on the binding, the amount of which is strongly suppressed by these additives. The significance of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions which accompany the binding is described.