On the Spacer Group Effect on Critical Micelle Concentration of Cationic Gemini Surfactants Using Molecular Connectivity Indices

Abstract

The important factor which differentiates gemini surfactants from conventional monomeric surfactants is the spacer group. The molecular connectivity method was used to study the effect of the spacer group on critical micelle concentration of cationic gemini surfactants. Two models were derived employing only Kier and Hall molecular connectivity indices. The relationships were developed for a set of 17 gemini surfactants with various spacer groups only. These models can be used to design the structure of the spacer group and in consequence novel cationic gemini surfactants more active in micelle formation.