Editing Chemical polarity (section)

=== Amphiphilic molecules ===

Large molecules that have one end with polar groups attached and another end with nonpolar groups are described as [[amphiphile]]s or ''amphiphilic'' molecules. They are good [[surfactant]]s and can aid in the formation of stable emulsions, or blends, of water and fats. Surfactants reduce the interfacial tension between oil and water by [[adsorption|adsorbing]] at the liquid–liquid interface.

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File:CHCA cleavable detergent.png|This amphiphilic molecule has several polar groups ([[hydrophilic]], ''water-loving'') on the right side and a long nonpolar chain ([[lipophilic]], ''fat-loving'') at the left side.  This gives it [[surfactant]] properties
File:Micelle scheme-en.svg|A [[micelle]]{{snd}}the [[lipophilic]] ends of the surfactant molecules dissolve in the oil, while the [[hydrophilic]] charged ends remain outside in the water phase, shielding the rest of the [[hydrophobic]] micelle.  In this way, the small oil droplet becomes water-soluble.
File:Phospholipid schematic representation.png| [[Phospholipid]]s are effective natural surfactants that have important biological functions
File:Phospholipids aqueous solution structures.svg|Cross section view of the structures that can be formed by [[phospholipid]]s.  They can form a [[micelle]] and are vital in forming [[cell membrane]]s
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