Question

Detergents are prepared by the action of $H_{2}S{O}_4$ followed by neutralization by starting with

• A. chlorestrol
• B. lauryl alcohol
• C. cylcohexanol
• D. p-nitrophenol.

Answer 1

The correct option is B lauryl alcohol

Anionic detergents are sodium salts of sulphonated long chain alcohols or hydrocarbons. Alkyl
hydrogensulphates formed by treating long chain alcohols with concentrated sulphuric acid are neutralised with alkali to form anionic detergents.
$C{H}_3\left(C{H}_2{)}_{10}C{H}_{2}OH\right(Laurylalcohol)+H_{2}S{O}_4\to$$C{H}_3(C{H}_2{)}_{10}C{H}_{2}OS{O}_{3}H+aq.NaOH\to$$C{H}_3(C{H}_2{)}_{10}C{H}_{2}OS{O}_{3}N{a}^{+}$