Interactions between benzyl benzoate and single- and double-chain quaternary ammonium surfactants

Interactions between benzyl benzoate and two different twin-tailed cationic surfactants have been studied. NMR diffusometry measurements have shown that cationic micelles grow in one dimension when benzyl benzoate is added. The location of benzyl benzoate in the micelles was evaluated by NOESY, showing that benzyl benzoate gave cross-peaks both to the hydrophobic groups in the surfactant and to the surfactant head group. Additions of benzyl benzoate to a lamellar phase of double-tailed quaternary surfactants revealed differences in responses. With an increasing concentration of benzyl benzoate, the structure of the dialkyl quat aggregate goes from lamellar to cubic, while the dialkyl ester quat forms a lamellar structure for all benzyl benzoate concentrations.