Organic Reactivity in Aqueous Micelles and Similar Assemblies

Abstract

This chapter discusses thermal reactions in aqueous colloidal systems. It aims is to analyze the reactions from a mechanistic point of view, and therefore discussion is focused on organic reactions in aqueous micelles. The structure of micelles or other colloidal droplets is considered only to the extent needed to understand reactivity. A key feature of micelles and similar colloidal aggregates is that they can incorporate solutes. For example an ionic micelle can bind a non-ionic solute and also, by virtue of its charge, attract counterions. It may affect reaction rates and equilibria by bringing reactants together or keeping them apart, but because the micelle can exert a medium effect it is necessary to separate the “medium” and “concentration” effects of the micelle. It reviews that the overall subject of reaction in submicroscopic aggregates has expanded so rapidly and in so many different directions that interest on specific areas has to be focused. The general principles, which govern the effects of normal, aqueous, micelles on reaction rates and equilibria are considered and some specific reactions and the relation of micellar effects to mechanism are discussed. © 1986, Academic Press Inc. (London) Ltd. All rights reserved.