Metastable dispersion formation through what has been called the “Ouzo effect” has been noted for a variety of systems involving organic compounds and water-miscible solvents. The naphthalenic organic compounds studied herein are similar to those used in previous <i>in vitro</i> biochemical and virological research, highlighting the possibility that the Ouzo effect may play a role in the delivery of these substances where these solvent systems are used. We observe the spontaneous formation of such dispersions using solid naphthalenic compounds that are first dissolved in water-miscible solvents (ethanol, acetone, or DMSO) then added to water. The ~400 nm (radius) particles that form are stable for days before bulk phase separation occurs. The compounds N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine (NPN), 1-iodonaphthalene (INAP), 1,4-dimethoxynaphthalene, 1-naphthol, and 1-aminonaphthalene were studied. Of these, only NPN and INAP were found to create “Ouzo-like” dispersions. The formation of these dispersions and characterization using optical and fluorescence microscopy, nephelometry, and dynamic light-scattering will be discussed.

Metastable aqueous dispersions are formed from water-miscible organic solvents and naphthalenic compounds without added emulsifiers

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.