Bolaform Electrolytes as Dyeing Auxiliaries

Abstract

Organic compounds possessing two cationic or anionic groups separated by relatively large distances have been named ‘bolaform electrolytes (bolytes)’ [1,2]. The word ‘bola’ means a long cord with heavy balls at each end used by the gauchos in the Argentinian pampa to capture cattle. When the distances, generally the alkyl chains, are sufficiently long, the bolaform electrolytes become surface-active compounds. Such surface-active compounds are named ‘bolaform amphiphiles (bola-amphiphiles)’. Various physical properties of the bolaform electrolytes or amphiphiles have been extensively studied. The surface activity, solubilization properties and micelle formation for some bolaform electrolytes have been discussed in detail. The application of the bolaform amphiphiles to monolayer lipid membranes has also been reported. Furthermore, a study on the micelles or vesicles formed from crown ether-based bolaform amphiphiles has been reported.