Micelles of Benzethonium Chloride undergoes spherical to cylindrical shape transformation: An intrinsic fluorescence and calorimetric approach

We report for the first time that Benzethonium Chloride (BTC) in aqueous solution actually gets transformed from a spherical to a cylindrical micelle. We have made rational use of the intrinsic fluorescence of BTC, rendered by the two phenyl rings in estimating its structural modifications as this methodology is devoid of any external perturbations. Our approach has been well-supported by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC). Using the ITC analyses and theoretical calculations, we have conclusively proved that the shape of the micelles change from spherical (at its Critical Micelle Concentration) to cylindrical because the micelles grow in a uni-axial manner.