The Structure of Gemini Surfactants 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 (la) 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.