Definition of Micelle



A micelle is defined as the aggregation of surfactant molecules that are being dispersed in a liquid. When they both are assembled, they give rise to a colloidal suspension. When a micelle is being formed in water, the hydrophilic (water-loving) head regions stay in contact with the surrounding water whereas the hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail regions sequester inside the centre of the micelle.

 


This type of micelle is known as normal phase micelle. Mostly, the micelles are spherical. They might be elliptical, cylindrical, etc. The process through which a micelle is formed is known as micellization. Micelles act as emulsifiers means that they help in making a substance soluble which is otherwise insoluble.


View More Organic Chemistry Definitions