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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Structure and properties of zwitterionic polysoaps: functionalization by redox-switchable moieties

subject

description

Redoxactive monomeric and polymeric surfactants containing viologen and N-alkylated nicotinic acid moieties were synthesized. These systems are potentially able to trigger reversible changes of self-organization by creation or removal of a charge via a redox reaction. Hence, they are investigated with respect to solubility, aggregation behavior, and their electrochemical properties in water. — All monomers, but only the viologen polymers are water-soluble and drastically decrease the surface tension of water. Critical micelle concentrations are observed for the monomers only. — The chemical reversibility of the redox reactions of the compounds in water was investigated using cyclic voltammetry. The redox reaction of N-alkylated nicotinic acid moieties proves to be only partially reversible, whereas the viologen moiety shows a reversible redox reaction for both monomers and polymers. Thus, viologen is a promissing redox moiety to trigger reversible changes in self-organization of polysoaps.