Detergents are generally sodium salts of sulphonic acids or ammonium salts with chlorides or bromides ions. They typically have long hydrocarbon chains similar to those found in soap molecules.
What are some common compounds used as detergents, and what are their chemical compositions?
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Common compounds used as detergents include sodium salts of sulfonic acids and ammonium salts with chlorides or bromides ions. These detergents typically have long hydrocarbon chains attached to polar functional groups, such as sulfonate (SO3-) or ammonium (NH4+). Examples include sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (linear alkylbenzene sulfonate), sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium lauryl sulfate. These compounds have hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions, enabling them to effectively interact with both water and grease, facilitating the removal of dirt and stains during cleaning processes.