Interactions of neutral molecules with ionic micelles

Abstract

The interactions of neutral molecules with ionic micelles are analyzed. The cell and mass action models are presented in order to provide a semi-quantitative description of the solubilization process. Both approaches are discussed from a thermodynamic and kinetic point of view and the different definitions of solute incorporation constants are also discussed and compared. An extensive compilation of standard free energies of transfer from water to micelles is provided and the basis of the employed methods to obtain them is presented. Several aspects of the solubilization process such as its dynamics, the effect of additives, the probe microenvironment and its dependence with the solute mean occupation number are reviewed and critically discussed. The effect of solute incorporation upon the micelle shape and size is also briefly reviewed.