Effective Photocontrol of Micelle Formation by Malachite Green Derivative Carrying a Long Alkyl Chain

We designed Malachite Green leuconitrile carrying a long alkyl chain that is intended for a photoresponsive surfactant. The critical micelle concentration of cetyltrimethylammoium chloride solution containing the photoresponsive compound was decreased significantly by UV irradiation. The lipophilic photochromic compound realizes photochemical control of micelle formation.