Solubilization of two organic dyes by cationic ester-containing gemini surfactants

► The solubilization power of cationic gemini surfactants is superior to that of the corresponding monomeric surfactant. ► A correlation between surfactant structure and solubilization power is demonstrated. ► It is shown that the dye resides just below the head group region of the cationic surfactant micelles.