Question.
Why does micelle formation take place when soap is added to water? Will a micelle be formed in other solvents like ethanol also?
Why does micelle formation take place when soap is added to water? Will a micelle be formed in other solvents like ethanol also?
solution:
A molecule of soap has two dissimilar ends. At one end is the hydrocarbon chain which is water repellent. At the other end carboxylate anion is present which is water soluble end. When soap is dissolved in water, many molecules come together and form a group called micelle, these micelles are formed because their hydrocarbon chains come together and the polar ends are projected outward. Micelle formation in ethanol will not occur because the hydrocarbon chain end of the soap will also dissolve in ethanol.
A molecule of soap has two dissimilar ends. At one end is the hydrocarbon chain which is water repellent. At the other end carboxylate anion is present which is water soluble end. When soap is dissolved in water, many molecules come together and form a group called micelle, these micelles are formed because their hydrocarbon chains come together and the polar ends are projected outward. Micelle formation in ethanol will not occur because the hydrocarbon chain end of the soap will also dissolve in ethanol.