Micellae catalysis of the oxidation of 1,4-dihydro-nicotinamides by methylene blue part 2

The oxidation of 1-R-1,4-dihydronicotinamides (1a: R = benzyl, 1b:R = octyl, 1c:R = cetyl) by methylene blue has been studied in the presence of micelles of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), polyoxyethylene23]lauryl ether (Brij^® 35) and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS). In CTAB, a small rate enhancement was observed below the cmc, followed by a gradual decrease above the cmc. Brij 35 has little effect on the reaction rate. The rate vs. concentration profile in SDBS shows a very sharp maximum near the cmc for 1b and 1c, whereas a more moderate increase in rate is observed for 1a. The effects are analyzed in terms of the pseudophase model for micellar catalysis, and it appears that the observed rate enhancements can be completely ascribed to increments of the reactant concentration in the micellar pseudophase. Comparison with rate effects in sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) micelles reveals that the reaction in SDBS micelles proceeds in a more polar environment. This provides kinetic evidence that the aryl moiety in SDBS allows a deeper penetration of water molecules into the micelle, thus giving rise to a more open surface for SDBS micelles than for SDS micelles.