Molecular dynamics study of the interface between water and 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether. 2008

Miguel Jorge, and M Natália D S Cordeiro
REQUIMTE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal. miguel.jorge@fc.up.pt

We present results of molecular dynamics simulations of the interface between water and 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE). This system is analyzed in detail using a procedure to calculate intrinsic profiles of several important properties (density, radial distribution functions, hydrogen bonds, molecular orientation, self-diffusion). The interface was found to be molecularly sharp but corrugated by thermal fluctuations. Using a method based on capillary wave theory, we have estimated the interfacial tension and obtained good agreement with values calculated from the virial route. The results were compared to simulations of the water/nitrobenzene interface. The presence of an alkyl chain in NPOE introduces an added degree of hydrophobicity, which causes an increase in the interfacial tension. Furthermore, interfacial NPOE molecules are less organized than nitrobenzene and show a distinct dynamic response. These results shed light on the observed differences between these two organic liquids in electrochemical studies.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008956 Models, Chemical Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of chemical processes or phenomena; includes the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Chemical Models,Chemical Model,Model, Chemical
D004058 Diffusion The tendency of a gas or solute to pass from a point of higher pressure or concentration to a point of lower pressure or concentration and to distribute itself throughout the available space. Diffusion, especially FACILITATED DIFFUSION, is a major mechanism of BIOLOGICAL TRANSPORT. Diffusions
D004563 Electrochemistry The study of chemical changes resulting from electrical action and electrical activity resulting from chemical changes. Electrochemistries
D004987 Ethers Organic compounds having two alkyl or aryl groups bonded to an oxygen atom, as in the formula R1–O–R2.
D014867 Water A clear, odorless, tasteless liquid that is essential for most animal and plant life and is an excellent solvent for many substances. The chemical formula is hydrogen oxide (H2O). (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed) Hydrogen Oxide

Related Publications

Miguel Jorge, and M Natália D S Cordeiro
June 2005, Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP,
Miguel Jorge, and M Natália D S Cordeiro
November 2013, Journal of colloid and interface science,
Miguel Jorge, and M Natália D S Cordeiro
September 2002, Journal of colloid and interface science,
Miguel Jorge, and M Natália D S Cordeiro
November 2011, The journal of physical chemistry. B,
Miguel Jorge, and M Natália D S Cordeiro
January 1987, The Journal of physical chemistry,
Miguel Jorge, and M Natália D S Cordeiro
July 2009, The journal of physical chemistry. A,
Miguel Jorge, and M Natália D S Cordeiro
November 2014, Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids,
Copied contents to your clipboard!