The influence of alcohols of different alkyl chain length on the solubilization of solutions containing polyoxyethylene p-tert-octylphenyl ether

Abstract This paper is intended to contribute to the understanding of the complex action of additives on the model system toluene/water/non-ionic surfactant. The temperature dependence of the solubilization capacity for toluene was investigated for different systems of this type by measuring the cloud points. Short-chain aliphatic alcohols were used as additives. The suitability of cloud point measurements for the determination of the solubilization limit has been evaluated. In the systems investigated, 2-propanol is the most effective additive to raise the toluene uptake. The solubilization capacity for toluene is determined by hydrophobic hydration, hydrophobic interaction, the temperature dependence of these phenomena, and their modification by polar interactions. The experimental results have been interpreted taking into account the effect of different parameters on the cloud point, phenomena of specific interactions between toluene and oligoether chains of the surfactant, promotion of micellization or even demicellization by alcohols as well as their cosolvent action.