Q.Explain the following terms with suitable examples

Synthetic detergents are classified by the nature of the charge on their hydrophilic (water-soluble) part:

1. Cationic detergents — these are quaternary ammonium salts of amines combined with acetate, chloride or bromide anions. The cationic part (positively charged nitrogen bearing a long hydrocarbon chain) is responsible for the surface-active/cleansing behaviour. Example: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, $CH_3(CH_2)_{15}N^+(CH_3)_3Br^-$. Cationic detergents are costlier and are mainly used in hair-care products (conditioners), and also have germicidal properties.
2. Anionic detergents — these are sodium salts of sulphonated long-chain alcohols or hydrocarbons; the anionic part of the molecule is responsible for the cleansing action. Example: sodium lauryl sulphate, $CH_3(CH_2)_{11}OSO_3^-Na^+$. Anionic detergents are common in toothpastes, shaving creams and laundry detergents.
3. Non-ionic detergents — these do not produce ions in solution; they are typically esters or ethers formed between a long-chain compound (e.g., a fatty acid or alkylphenol) and polyethylene glycol. …

For each detergent type, identify the charge (or absence of charge) on the hydrophilic head, name the general chemi …

• Swapping cationic and anionic examples (remembering which ion carries the charge — N⁺ for cationic, sulphate/sulphonate anion for anionic). …