Cholesteric states of micellar solutions

Abstract
The effects of optically active compounds on amphiphilic nematics are reported. The following systems have been studied : (1) caesium decylsulphate, decanol, water plus tartaric acid ; (2) ammonium decylsulphate, ammonium sulphate, decanol, water plus brucine sulphate ; and (3) decylammonium chloride, water plus cholesterol. Phase transitions to cholesteric states are induced by the optically active compounds in all systems. Brucine sulphate has the highest twisting power ; tartaric acid the lowest. The results are analysed on the basis of intermolecular interactions and an explanation is proposed for the observed differences in twisting power.