Which of the following is an example of liquid dishwashing detergent?
a) CH3(CH2)10−CH2OSO−3Na+
b)
c)
d)
Answer (b). Liquid dishwashing detergents are the non-ionic type. Non-ionic detergents do not contain any Ion in their constitution. Mechanism of cleansing action of this type of soaps. These remove grease and oil by micelle formation.
Other two cases of detergents are anionic detergents and cation detergents. Anionic detergents are sodium salts of sulphonated long chain alcohols or hydrocarbons.
They are mostly used for household work.
Cationic detergents are quaternary ammonium salts of amines with acetates, chlorides or bromides as anions. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide is a popular cationic detergent and is used In hair conditioners.