Synthesis and Surface Active Properties of Gemini Cationic Surfactants and Interaction with Anionic Azo Dye (AR52)

A homologous series of new gemini cationic surfactants were synthesized and characterized using micro elemental analysis, FTIR, 1H-NMR and mass spectra. The surface activities of these amphiphiles were determined based on the data of surface tension. Critical micelle concentration, effectiveness of the surface tension reduction, efficiency of adsorption, maximum surface excess, minimum surface area and critical packing parameter were evaluated. The effect of cationic micelles on solubilization of anionic azo dye, sulforhodamine B (Acid Red 52) in aqueous micellar solution of the synthesized gemini cationic surfactants was studied at pH 6.9 ± 0.5 and 25 °C. The results showed that the solubility of dye rose with increasing surfactant concentration as a consequence of some association between the dye and the micelles. It was also observed that the aggregation of surfactant and dye takes place at a surfactant concentration below the CMC of the individual surfactant. The partition coefficients between the bulk water and surfactant micelles as well as the Gibbs energies of distribution of dye between the bulk water and surfactant micelles were calculated using a pseudo-phase model. The effect of the hydrophobic chain length of Gemini cationic surfactants on the distribution parameters was also reported. The results show favorable solubilization of dye in cationic micelles.