We have recently discovered that some calix[4]arene-based amphiphiles self-assemble into completely monodisperse micelles in terms of the aggregation number (Nagg). Interestingly, the Naggs are always consistent with the vertex number of Platonic solids, indicating the formation of polyhedral structures. Thus, we name them Platonic micelles. Regarding the thermodynamics of the formation of Platonic micelles, the micelles would be formed in the system of reverse micelles. Undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene, whose building block structure is very similar to calix[4]arene, self-assembles into small spherical micelles in organic solvent including toluene and chloroform. The small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) profile of the micelle in toluene displayed a sharp minimum at q = 3.5 nm−1, indicating the monodispersity of the micelles in terms of the size as well as the molar mass. In this study, we have also characterized the thermo-responsiveness in the micellar structure using small angle scattering techniques.

Platonic micelles part 1: Monodisperse micelles in the system of reverse micelles

256th National Meeting (2018)

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