Monolayers of triaroylbenzene derivatives

Monolayers of triaroylbenzene derivatives bearing three octyl groups projecting away from the molecular core and terminated by hydroxyl, carboxylic acid, and methyl ester groups have been studied using surface pressure isotherm measurements and Brewster angle microscopy. The octyl derivative lacking a terminal hydrophilic group forms a monolayer of limited stability. The derivatives with hydrophilic end-groups on the octyl chains form stable monolayers. A reorientation at the water surface under compression from a 'face-on' to a distorted 'edge-on' arrangement appears likely. At intermediate molecular areas, a phase transition occurs and aggregate formation is observed. Studies of mixtures with methyl stearate exhibit a contrast inversion between the background phase and immiscible domains of methyl stearate supporting the concept of a reorientation of the triaroylbenzene derivatives during compression.