Abstract
MATHIESON1 has recently obtained electron micrographs of oleophobic stearic acid films adsorbed on mica from hexadecane solution. These show islands of stearic acid in the monolayer, with only about one-third of the surface covered. The observations are in good agreement with the results reported by Cook and Ries2 for the adsorption of radioactive stearic acid on mica and gold from hexadecane solutions. They, too, found that only 20–30 per cent of a close-packed monolayer of stearic acid molecules was adsorbed on these inert substrates. Mathieson also points out that island structures are not formed when adsorption of stearic acid proceeds from the melt. These authors have interpreted their observations in terms of a solvent-solute interaction whereby stearic acid molecules adsorbed from solution are surrounded by hexadecane molecules in an oriented array.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Mathieson, R. T., Nature, 183, 1803 (1959).
Cook, H. D., and Ries, H. E. jun., J. Phys. Chem., 63, 226 (1959).
Gaines, G. L., jun., American Chemical Society 136th National Meeting, Atlantic City, September, 1959 (to be submitted to J. Phys. Chem.).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
GAINES, G. Concentration of Stearic Acid in Monolayers Adsorbed from Solution. Nature 184, 1139 (1959). https://doi.org/10.1038/1841139b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1841139b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.