Amphiphile (Paperback)

Amphiphile is a term describing a chemical compound possessing both hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (Fat-liking) properties. Such a compound is called amphiphilic or amphipathic. This forms the basis for a number of areas of research in chemistry and biochemistry, notably that of lipid polymorphism. Organic compounds containing hydrophilic groups at both ends of a prolate molecule are called bolaamphiphilic. Common amphiphilic substances are soaps and detergents.