detergent: Quick Facts

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The diagrams show how detergent removes oil droplets often contained in dirt. When the detergent dissolves in water, detergent molecules group themselves around an oil droplet (a). The water-repelling part of the molecules (light area) projects into the droplet, while the water-soluble part (dark area) remains in the water (b). The oil is held in suspension by the emulsifying action of the detergent and is carried away with the dirty water (c).

steps in the manufacture of synthetic detergents

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Topics

anionic detergent nonionic detergent ampholytic detergent cationic detergent optical brightener soap and detergent surfactant wetting agent chemical product drug explosive plastic rubber man-made fibre surface coating glass Cosmetic match Luminol

Key People

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William Hesketh Lever

British entrepreneur