Solubilization
Encyclopedia
Solubilization, according to an IUPAC definition, is a short form for micellar solubilization, a term used in colloidal and surface chemistry
.
Solublization may occur in a system consisting of a solvent
, an association colloid
(i.e., a colloid that forms micelle
s), and at least one other component called the solubilizate (i.e., the component that undergoes solublization).
Solubilization is the process of incorporation of the solubilizate into or onto the micelles.
because the resulting fluid is a colloidal dispersion involving an association colloid. This suspension is distinct from a true solution
, and the amount of the solubilizate in the micellar system can be different (often higher) than the regular solubility
of the solubilizate in the solvent.
In non-chemical literature and in everyday language, the term "solubilization" is sometimes used in a broader meaning as "to bring to a solution or (non-sedimenting
) suspension" by any means, e.g., leaching
by a reaction with an acid.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
.
Solublization may occur in a system consisting of a solvent
Solvent
A solvent is a liquid, solid, or gas that dissolves another solid, liquid, or gaseous solute, resulting in a solution that is soluble in a certain volume of solvent at a specified temperature...
, an association colloid
Colloid
A colloid is a substance microscopically dispersed evenly throughout another substance.A colloidal system consists of two separate phases: a dispersed phase and a continuous phase . A colloidal system may be solid, liquid, or gaseous.Many familiar substances are colloids, as shown in the chart below...
(i.e., a colloid that forms micelle
Micelle
A micelle is an aggregate of surfactant molecules dispersed in a liquid colloid. A typical micelle in aqueous solution forms an aggregate with the hydrophilic "head" regions in contact with surrounding solvent, sequestering the hydrophobic single tail regions in the micelle centre. This phase is...
s), and at least one other component called the solubilizate (i.e., the component that undergoes solublization).
Solubilization is the process of incorporation of the solubilizate into or onto the micelles.
Usage of the term
Solubilization is distinct from dissolutionDissolution (chemistry)
Dissolution is the process by which a solid, liquid or gas forms a solution in a solvent. In solids this can be explained as the breakdown of the crystal lattice into individual ions, atoms or molecules and their transport into the solvent. For liquids and gases, the molecules must be compatible...
because the resulting fluid is a colloidal dispersion involving an association colloid. This suspension is distinct from a true solution
Solution
In chemistry, a solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of only one phase. In such a mixture, a solute is dissolved in another substance, known as a solvent. The solvent does the dissolving.- Types of solutions :...
, and the amount of the solubilizate in the micellar system can be different (often higher) than the regular solubility
Solubility
Solubility is the property of a solid, liquid, or gaseous chemical substance called solute to dissolve in a solid, liquid, or gaseous solvent to form a homogeneous solution of the solute in the solvent. The solubility of a substance fundamentally depends on the used solvent as well as on...
of the solubilizate in the solvent.
In non-chemical literature and in everyday language, the term "solubilization" is sometimes used in a broader meaning as "to bring to a solution or (non-sedimenting
Sedimentation
Sedimentation is the tendency for particles in suspension to settle out of the fluid in which they are entrained, and come to rest against a barrier. This is due to their motion through the fluid in response to the forces acting on them: these forces can be due to gravity, centrifugal acceleration...
) suspension" by any means, e.g., leaching
Leaching
In general, leaching is the extraction of certain materials from a carrier into a liquid . Specifically, it may refer to:...
by a reaction with an acid.
Application
Micellar solublization is widely utilized, e.g. in:- laundryLaundryLaundry is a noun that refers to the act of washing clothing and linens, the place where that washing is done, and/or that which needs to be, is being, or has been laundered...
washingWashingWashing is one way of cleaning, namely with water and often some kind of soap or detergent. Washing is an essential part of good hygiene and health....
using detergentDetergentA detergent is a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants with "cleaning properties in dilute solutions." In common usage, "detergent" refers to alkylbenzenesulfonates, a family of compounds that are similar to soap but are less affected by hard water...
s, - in pharmaceutical industry, for formulations of poorly soluble drugs in solution form,
- in cleanup of oil spillOil spillAn oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially marine areas, due to human activity, and is a form of pollution. The term is mostly used to describe marine oil spills, where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters...
s using dispersantDispersantA dispersant or a dispersing agent or a plasticizer or a superplasticizer is either a non-surface active polymer or a surface-active substance added to a suspension, usually a colloid, to improve the separation of particles and to prevent settling or clumping...
s.
Mechanism
Literature distinguishes two major mechanisms of solubilization process of oil by surfactant micelles, affecting the kinetics of solubilization:- Surface reaction, i.e., by transient adsorption of micelles at the water-oil interface, and
- bulk reaction, whereby the surfactant micelles capture dissolved oil molecules.