Question

What will be the structure of micelles if soap is dissolved in a hydrocarbon?

Answer 1

Micelle formation does take place when soaps are dissolved in hydrocarbons. However, the structure will be opposite to the structure of micelle formed in water. In water, the ionic part of the soap molecules is oriented outside towards the surface of water, while the hydrophobic tails are away from water molecules. In hydrocarbons, the micelle will have an opposite structure. The polar ends will be in the interior away from from the surface, while the non-polar ends will be outside towards the surface of the hydrocarbon.