Abstract
The effects of alkyl chain length and of differences in the length of the two alkyl chains on the formation of a monolayer of chemically synthesized corynomycolic acid (2-alkyl-3-hydroxy fatty acid) at the air-water interface were examined. Hydrophobic interactions between the two alkyl chains are required for the formation of a condensed film, which is most stable when the total number of carbon atoms in the two alkyl chains is 25 or more and the difference in their lengths is one. Syn-isomers form condensed films but usually not anti-isomers. However, films may also be formed by the anti-isomer when the alkyl chain at the carboxy group (the 2-position) is longer than the alkyl chain at the hydroxy group (the 3-position). That is, the contribution of anti-isomers to condensed film formation depends on the polar carboxy group which has greater involvement in this formation. The extrapolated area for the condensed film of corynomycolic acid was 40 A2 per molecule, thus confirming that both the carboxy and hydroxy groups are present on the water surface when a bipolar monolayer is formed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
