Bulk and adsorbed monolayer phase behavior of binary mixtures of undecanoic acid and undecylamine: catanionic monolayers

Langmuir. 2011 Apr 5;27(7):3626-37. doi: 10.1021/la1048198. Epub 2011 Feb 28.

Abstract

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) have been used to determine the phase behavior of the binary mixtures of undecanoic acid (A) and undecylamine (B) in the bulk. In addition, we report DSC data that indicates very similar behavior for the solid monolayers of these materials adsorbed on the surface of graphite. The two species are found to form a series of stoichiometric complexes of the type AB, A(2)B, and A(3)B on the acid rich side of the phase diagram. Interestingly, no similar series of complexes is evident on the amine rich side. As a result of this complexation, the solid monolayers of the binary mixtures exhibit a very pronounced enhancement in stability relative to the pure adsorbates.