TY - JOUR TI - Identification and characterization of complexes of cationic and anionic surfactants at equal charge ratio DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-15ay-6j11 PY - 2019 AB - The objective of this study was to investigate the complex structures formed of cationic and anionic surfactants. X-ray diffraction, 1H-NMR, FTIR and LC-MS methods have been applied in the current study. A novel crystalline complex, consisting of chlorhexidine-dodecyl sulfate, was obtained after aging at 60 °C for three weeks. The structure was solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The molar ratio of chlorhexidine and dodecyl sulfate was 1:2, indicating a complex between a divalent cation and two nonvalent anions. In addition, the impact of phosphate, pyrophosphate and triphosphate anions on the stability and solubility of the complex was monitored by observing precipitate. The complex was further examined by LC-MS method with a direct infusion. For comparison, other surfactants were studied: including anionic surfactant sodium lauroyl methyl taurate (SLMT) and two cationic surfactants, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and benzalkonium chloride (BKC). ESI-MS enabled us to study both positively and negatively charged clusters. KW - Chemistry and Chemical Biology KW - Surfactants KW - Surface active agents LA - English ER -