We derive self-similar continuum equations that govern the rupture of liquid threads at scales within the influence of interfacial dynamical effects. This regime and the obtained power-law solution for the evolution of the minimum neck radius, $h_{\min }=0.00107{(t_b-t)}^{2.34}$, fill a void in the literature in between the classical inertial-viscous regime and the stochastic formulation and reconcile flow features such as asymptotic slow boundary conditions far away from the singularity and symmetric profiles, respectively. Due to its inherent ties to the production of monosized droplets from jetting, this work can be utilized to approach, for example, the study of electrosprays or flow focusing at these critical scales for aerospace nano-thruster technology or single-biomolecule imaging with x-ray free-electron lasers.

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• Drop breakup
• Instability of free-surface flows
• Nanofluidics
• Wakes & jets
• Self-similarity