The Raman Spectra and Conformational Change of Simple Sodium Alkylsulfates and Sodium Alkyisulfonates in Aqueous Solution

In order to study the polar group effect upon conformations about CH2-CH2 single bonds, the Raman spectra of simple sodium alkylsulfates and sodium alkyisulfonates were measured. The ethylsulfate ion (CH3-CH2-O-SO3-) in aqueous solution was found to take the trans form about the CH2 - O bond in 0.67-5.41 mol/1. For the n-propylsulfonate ion the Raman line due to the gauche form about the CH2 -CH2 bond was also observed, the trans form becoming predominant at higher concentrations. For the sulfate and sulfonate ions having butyl and hexyl chains, the concentration dependence of their molecular conformations was also investigated.