For organic chemists, micellar chemistry could be a revolution

Abstract

Water is called the universal solvent for its ability to dissolve a broad range of chemicals. But you wouldn’t know that from spending time in chemistry labs, where the solvents of choice are almost exclusively organic. Water can react with so many different types of molecules that it can prevent scientists from getting good results out of complex reactions. So, many synthetic chemists see water as a hazard. Many, but not all. In the past several years, a small group of chemists has been experimenting with a technique that makes synthetic chemistry possible in water. Using surfactant molecules like detergents, these researchers can form microscopic spheres in water called micelles. The insides of these particles have an environment that’s friendly to greasy organic molecules. They are like tiny flasks, perfect for hosting organic reactions and shielding them from surrounding water molecules. Micellar chemistry—and chemistry in water in general—is often pitched