The surface properties of Alcohols containing sterically hindered Hydroxyl groups

Abstract

The surface properties of several alcohols containing sterically hindered hydroxyl groups have been studied. Tricyclohexyl carbinol formed monolayers having a surface moment considerably greater than that of long-chain alcohols. It is suggested that this is due to the virtual inaccessibility of the C-O bond to a water molecule. The collapse phenomenon of tricyclohexyl carbinol is quite different from that expected for a compound of m.p. 91-92 °C. It appears that the molecules collapse to form a lens or glass, rather than a crystal. 1,1,3,3-Tetraphenyl propanediol-1,3 gave monolayers of similar surface properties. The other compounds tested did not give films of measurable stability.