Which one of the following forms micelles in aqueous solution above certain concentration?
- Dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride
- Glucose
- Urea
- Pyridinium chloride
Answer
(1) Dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride
Solution
As per NCERT, micelles are formed by surface-active agents (soaps and detergents) above the critical micelle concentration (CMC); such molecules have a long hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail and a polar (ionic) head.
Dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, CH3(CH2)11N (CH3)3 Cl , is a cationic detergent: C12 hydrophobic tail + ionic head. ⇒ It forms micelles.
Glucose and urea are non-ionic small molecules, and pyridinium chloride has no long hydrocarbon tail. ⇒ They cannot form micelles.
Answer: (1)