Solubilization by Solutions of Long-Chain Colloidal Electrolytes

Abstract
Increase in the concentration of a soap or other detergent does not increase the solubility of an oil above that in water until the critical concentration for the formation of micelles (cmc) is attained. Above this the solubility, designated as solubilization, increases and, in general, more rapidly as the soap concentration increases; i.e., per mole of soap the solubilization is greater in a 25 percent than in a 5 percent soap solution. For a homologous series the volume of oil solubilized at a constant temperature is to a first approximation inversely proportional to the molar volume. The polarity and shape of the molecules solubilized also play a role. Salts increase the extent of the solubilization; at low concentrations to an extent which may be accounted for by the increase in micellar area resulting from the depression of the cmc by the salt. At higher soap concentrations the increase in solubilization is greater than can be accounted for in this way.

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