Among the following, which surfactant will form micelles in aqueous solution at the lowest molar concentration at ambient conditions?

Options

A. `CH_(3)-(CH_(2))_(8)-COO^(-)Na^(+)`
B. `CH_(3)-(CH_(2))_(11)-overset(oplus)(N)(CH_(3))_(3)Br^(-)`
C. `CH_(3)(CH_(2))_(13)-OSO_(3)^(-)Na^(+)`
D. `CH_(3)(CH_(2))_(15)overset(oplus)(N)(CH_(3))_(3)Br^(-)`

Answer

D

Explanation

Greater the surface area, greater the van der Waal forces of attraction and therefore at lesser concentration micelle formation will take place. In case of `CH_(3)(CH_(2))_(15)overset(oplus)(N)(CH_(3))_(3)Br^(-)` due to greater chain length, greater will be van der Waal forces.