A study of the enolization of some alkyl ketones in lyomesophases formed by alkylammonium surfactants

The kinetics of enolization of acetone, 3-pentanone, and 6-undecanone have been studied in lyotropic systems in the isotropic, nematic, and lamellar phases. The data, analysed in terms of spontaneous and acid-catalyzed rate constants, do not show any relevant influence of the physical nature of the phase. Effects are instead observed in relation to the length of the alkyl chains of the ketones and the type of the amphiphilic molecule. 6-undecanone has a surprising effect in stabilizing ordered mesophases.