Copper(II) complexation by micelle-solubilized long-chain complexing agents: Unusually slow reaction rates

We consider in this work the complexation of copper(II) by two different complexing agents [7-4(ethyl-1-methyloctyl)-8-hydroxyquinoline (C-11-HQ) and 6-(hexadecylamino)methyl-2-hydroxymethylpyridine (C16NHMePyr)] in different kinds of micellar surfactant solutions (SDS, C12EO6, CTAB and mixed CTAB/butanol). Stopped-flow kinetic experiments at controlled pH have provided values of the apparent rate constants for complex formation, which are discussed with reference to literature data in homogeneous solutions. They show considerable rate decreases, especially in CTAB micellar systems.