Chemistry Lab help???

1 ⤊

Chemistry Lab help???

Why is detergent a better cleanser than soap?

2007-07-25 08:55:40 · 1 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

1 answers

Because detergents are either long-chain hydrocarbon ammonium salts, polyethers (nonionic), or sulfonates and sulfates, while soaps are carboxylate.

Soap: CH3(CH2)16COO- Na+

Detergents: CH3(CH2)10CH2-OSO3- Na+ or
C9H19-C6H4-SO3- Na+

In hard water, there are Mg2+ and/or Ca2+ ions. The calcium and magnesium salts of sulfate and sulfonate detergents are water-soluble, but the carboxylates are water insoluble. This leads to precipitates called "soap scum" or "ring-around-the-bathtub." So unless you want to install a water softener to remove ions, you should wash dishes and clothes in detergent.

2007-07-25 09:05:33 · answer #1 · answered by steve_geo1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋