Cationic detergents:
Cationic detergents are those which have a cationic hydrophilic group. These are mostly acetates, bromides, chlorides of quaternary ammonium salts.
Example:
Anionic detergents:
Anionic detergents are those which have an anionic hydrophilic group. These are manufactured from long chain alcohols.
Example:
Sodium lauryl sulphate [C11H23CH2OSO3Na] sodium p – dodecyl benzene sulphonate
Natural detergents:
These detergents are simply long chain organic compounds and are esters in nature. These contain polar groups which can form hydrogen bonds with water.
Example: Polyethylene glycol stearate
[CH3(CH2)16COO(CH2CH2O)nCH2CH2OH]