Which of the following is a property of detergent?

Which of the following is a property of detergent? Correct Answer Both

  • Detergents are amphiphilic molecules, as they possess hydrophobic end and hydrophilic head parts in their structures.

 

The molecules of detergent are sodium or potassium salts of long-chain carboxylic acids.

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  • Detergents are a family of compounds that are similar to soaps and work in a similar way. 
  • Soaps are molecules in which the two ends have differing properties.
  • One is hydrophilic, this part has a strong affinity for water molecules, and it dissolves in water.
  • The other end is hydrophobic, this part tries to stay away from water molecules, and it dissolves in hydrocarbons.
  • Hydrophobic ends of soap molecule all attach to the oil. Hydrophilic ends stick out into the water.
  • Thus, soap is able to clear dirt from clothes.

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