The solubilization of benzoylacetone in surfactant solutions

The solubilization studies for benzoylacetone by ten commercial surfactant solutions were investigated to obtain qualitative and quantitative data on their solubilizing capacity. Benzoylacetone was chosen in this study because of its relation to materials of similar structure used as the active ingredient in sunscreen formulations. The extent of solubilization was determined by measuring the ultraviolet absorbance of the enolic form which represents the maximum absorbance. From the solubilization studies, it was found that the most effective solubilizers were triton X-100 and cetyl trimethylammonium bromide, with sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate and HM special the least effective solubilizers. In general, the solubilization of benzoylacetone takes place in the inner most hydrocarbon core.