Solubility and adsorption behaviors of chlorophenols in the presence of surfactant

The solubility of chlorophenols as affected by surfactant was investigated. Three kinds of surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate, Triton X-100, and Brij 35, were utilized. The solubilization of chlorophenols by surfactant follows the order of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol > 2,4-dichlorophenol > 2,6-dichlorophenol > 2-chlorophenol; and the critical micelle concentration is an important index. The adsorption reactions of 2,4-dichlorophenol and 2,4,6- trichlorophenol onto hydrous montmorillonite in the presence of surfactant were examined. The presence of surfactant decreased the adsorption of chlorophenols significantly. The roles of hydrophobicity of chlorophenols in solubilization and adsorption behaviors are discussed.