The thermochromism of the ET(30) betaine in a micro-heterogeneous medium: A spectral and dynamics simulation study

A spectral investigation of the thermochromic behavior of Reichardt’s ET(30) betaine in aqueous solutions of block copolymers (“poloxamers”) P407, P237 and P105 was carried out as a function of temperature and concentration. The betaine microenvironment at various stages of the micellization process in these systems was mimicked with the aid of molecular dynamics simulations of model systems. These consisted of the ET(30) probe in boxes of water molecules, in the presence of an isolated block copolymer of formula (PEO)11–(PPO)16–(PEO)11, and of a micelle formed of 50 of these unimers.

Graphical abstractThe thermochromic behavior of the ET(30) dye in aqueous solutions of three different poloxamers was studied and interpreted with the aid of molecular dynamics simulations.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (137 K)Download as PowerPoint slide