Why detergents are better cleansing agents than soaps? Explain.

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Solution

Detergents are generally ammonium or sulphonate salts of long chain carboxylic acids. The charged ends of these compounds do not form insoluble precipitate with calcium or magnesium ions. Calcium and magnesium ions are present in hard water. Due to this, detergents are effective even in hard water. Hence, detergents are better cleansing agents than soaps.

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How are synthetic detergents better than soaps ?

A detergent is a better cleansing agent as compared to soap.

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