FT-IR INVESTIGATION OF THE PARTITIONING OF SODIUM BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL) SULFOSUCCINATE BETWEEN AN AQUEOUS AND A PROPANE PHASE

The partitioning of the surfactant sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) from a buffered aqueous phase into a near-critical propane phase was investigated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The partitioning of AOT is shown to be dependent upon the fluid pressure as well as upon the molar water-to-surfactant ratio, W. The uptake of water into the propane microemulsion phase coincides with the partitioning of AOT. The phase behavior of this system appears to be controlled by the attractive interactions between droplets in the microemulsion phase, as well as from limitations upon the curvature of the interfacial surfactant layer. Potential applications of these systems for separations are discussed.