Q.Write a note on synthetic detergents
Step 1. Section 15.3.2 defines synthetic detergents by their two possible acid groups: sodium salts of alkyl hydrogen sulphates, or sodium salts of alkyl benzene sulphonic acids.
Step 2. It then names the three structural types by the charge on the surfactant ion: anionic (sodium lauryl sulphate), cationic (n-hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride) and non-ionic (pentaerythrityl stearate).
Step 3. Their key practical advantage over soap is stated directly: "Detergents are superior to soaps as they can be used even in hard water and in acidic conditions" -- while "the cleansing action of detergents are similar to the cleansing action of soaps."
Synthetic detergents are formulated products containing either sodium salts of alkyl hydrogen sulphates or sodium salts of long-chain alkyl benzene sulphonic acids. There are three types: anionic (e.g. sodium lauryl sulphate, with a negatively-charged head), cationic (e.g. n-hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, with a positively-charged head), and non-ionic (e.g. pentaerythrityl stearate, uncharged). Detergents are superior to soap because they keep working in hard water and acidic conditions, while their cleansing action itself works the same way soap's does.
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