Micelle Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
In
chemistry, a
micelle (also
micella, plural
micellae) is a particular grouping of molecules.
Surfactants form micelles when they reach the critical micelle concentration (CMC). Surfactants are chemical
amphipathic compounds. It means that they contain both
hydrophobic and
hydrophilic ends and will therefore be attracted to the surface of the polar phase. Surfactants will first line up along the surface of the
polar phase. When that is completely filled up, they will begin to form micelles of different shapes, dependent on their concentration. The micelles are a grouping of surfactant molecules where either the hydrophobic (in a polar continuous phase) or the hydrophillic (in a
nonpolar continuous phase) ends cluster inward to escape the continuous phase. When surfactants are present above the CMC, they act as
emulsifiers. For instance, in a polar continuous phase, nonpolar compounds, such as oils, will be absorbed into the micelle and emulsified into the polar phase. This is what happens when you wash your hands with
soap. It is also the basis for
emulsion polymerization.
See also
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