Question

Detergents are used to remove oil and dirt from surfaces.

a) What are synthetic detergents? Give an example.

b) What are anionic, cationic, and non-conic detergents? Illustrate with examples.

c) A synthetic detergent is used as a dishwasher. To which of the above type would it belong?

Answer 1

a) Synthetic detergents are cleansing agents which have all the properties of soaps, but which actually do not contain any soap. e.g. Sodium lauryl sulphate

b) Anionic detergents are sodium salt of sulphonated long-chain alcohols or hydrocarbons. 

Example: Sodium lauryl sulphate. Used in toothpaste. Cationic detergents are quarternary ammonium salts of amines with acetates. Used in hair conditioners.

e.g. Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide. Non-ionic detergents do not contain any ion 

e.g. Liquid dishwashing detergents.

c) Non-ionic detergents.