In aqueous medium, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide reacts with potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) and forms a precipitate by an ion-exchange reaction. But a bubble blown from an aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide does not form a precipitate when floated on the surface of a potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) solution, as long as the bubble remains intact. This event is an example of definite orientation of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide molecules (surfactants) in the bubble interfaces.
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Citation
Gani, Nasimul; Khanam, Jasmina. J. Chem. Educ.2002 79 332.
Keywords
Consumer Chemistry; Demonstrations; Introductory / High School Chemistry; Surface Science
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