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Organogels from a vitamin C-based surfactant
Pierandrea Lo Nostro1, Roland Ramsch, Emiliano Fratini
1Department of Chemistry and CSGI, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy. pln@csgi.unifi.it
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|September 21, 2007
Summary
A novel double-chained surfactant, 8ASC10, was synthesized, forming stable organogels with antioxidant properties. These gels can solubilize and protect valuable organic molecules.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is a vital antioxidant with limited stability and solubility.
- Developing novel delivery systems for L-ascorbic acid is crucial for its applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a new double-chained surfactant, 2-octyl-dodecanoyl-6-O-ascorbic acid (8ASC10), using L-ascorbic acid as the polar headgroup.
- To investigate the self-assembly behavior and properties of the synthesized surfactant in forming organogels.
- To evaluate the potential of these organogels as carriers for protecting and solubilizing organic molecules.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of 2-octyl-dodecanoyl-6-O-ascorbic acid (8ASC10).
- Characterization of the dry solid state using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS).
- Rheological studies, DSC, and SAXS to analyze the behavior and properties of organogels.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of the novel double-chained surfactant 8ASC10.
- Formation of stable, viscous organogels in organic solvents and water-induced organogels.
- Organogels exhibited shear-thinning properties and birefringence.
- Organogels retained the antioxidant properties of L-ascorbic acid.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized 8ASC10 surfactant self-assembles into stable organogels.
- These organogels offer a promising platform for the solubilization and protection of valuable organic molecules, leveraging the inherent antioxidant capacity of L-ascorbic acid.
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