Chapter 2, Problem 6E

(a)

Summary Introduction

To explain: Whether the H₃C–(CH₂)₁₁–COO^- partition occurs in water or palmitic acid micelles.

Concept introduction: Most of the biological molecules have both charged (polar) and uncharged (non-polar) parts and therefore they carry hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties at the same time. Water has a hydrophilic surface; wax has a hydrophobic surface; and glass has a hydrophilic surface. Water inclines to hydrate the hydrophilic part of an amphiphile, but it also inclines to eliminate the hydrophobic portion. The micelles are the globules in which the hydrophobic groups are present in the central portion away from the solvent and hydrophilic groups are arranged at the surface directed towards the aqueous solution.

(b)

Summary Introduction

To explain: Whether the H₃C–(CH₂)₁₁–CH₃ partition occurs in water or palmitic acid micelles.

Concept introduction: Most of the biological molecules have both charged (polar) and uncharged (non-polar) parts and therefore they carry hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties at the same time. Water has a hydrophilic surface; wax has a hydrophobic surface; and glass has a hydrophilic surface.  Water inclines to hydrate the hydrophilic part of an amphiphile, but it also inclines to eliminate the hydrophobic portion. The micelles are the globules in which the hydrophobic groups are present in the central portion away from the solvent and hydrophilic groups are arranged at the surface directed towards the aqueous solution.