The Structure of Gemini Surfactant Self-Assemblies Investigated by Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction

Solid-supported multibilayers of the enantiomers of the cationic gemini surfactant 1, i.e., (2S,3S)-2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-bis( N -hexadecyl- N, N -dimethylammonium)butane dibromide ( 1a ) and (2R,3R)-2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-bis( N -hexadecyl- N, N -dimethylammonium)butane dibromide ( 1b ), have been studied by means of energy dispersive X-ray diffraction. The effect of substrate on the orientation of the sample has been investigated. Dehydration/hydration kinetics of the samples under enviromental conditions has been followed. Furthermore, we have characterized the structural properties of the meso form, (2S,3R)-2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-bis( N -hexadecyl- N, N -dimethylammonium)butane dibromide ( 1c ). The reported results indicate that the spontaneous self-assemblies of the meso form present different physical characteristics.