Solubilization and release of fragrance agents in the aqueous solution of CO₂ switchable surfactants

Abstract

This study describes the enhancement in the solubility and controlled-release of fragrance agents (menthol, four n-alkanols, and three aromatic esters) using three CO 2 switchable surfactants (N-alkylimidazolium bicarbonates). The surfactants significantly improved the solubility of fragrance agents in water. N-Dodecylimidazolium bicarbonate was the most effective surfactant to solubilize menthol. A stability test indicated that the surfactant could stably disperse menthol in water. Moreover, the surfactants improved the solubility of n-alkanols to different levels, however, the solubility of the aromatic esters equally. The release of menthol from the surfactant solution under N 2 at different durations of bubbling time, temperatures, and flow velocities were studied.