Solubilization kinetics of n-alkanes by a non-ionic surfactant.

The rates of solubilization of a homologous series of n-alkanes (CnH2n + 2; n = 8-16) into micellar solutions of n-dodecyl hexaoxyethylene glycol ether (C12E6) have been measured at 298 K. A mechanism involving a micellar dissociation-association process previously proposed was found to give an adequate description of the data. Proportionality between the micellar solubilization capacity in the kinetic process and that found at equilibrium could be inferred for such a series of solubilizates which have the same locus of solubilization and packing requirements.