anionic detergent
Quick Summary
Anionic detergents are a class of synthetic cleaning agents that produce negatively charged ions in water. These detergents typically consist of alkali metal or ammonium salts of strong acids with long carbon chains (12-24 atoms). They work by reducing the surface tension of water, allowing it to wet surfaces more effectively. The hydrophobic part of the detergent molecule attaches to dirt and the surface, while the hydrophilic part dissolves in water, helping to lift and suspend soil, preventing it from redepositing. Common examples include alkyl aryl sulfonates and salts of sulfated alcohols.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
soap and detergent…of surface-active agents are distinguished:
Read More…of surface-active agents are distinguished:
Read More- soap and detergentAnionic detergents
Among synthetic detergents, commonly referred to as syndets, anionic-active types are the most important. The molecule of an anionic-active synthetic detergent is a long carbon chain to which a sulfo group (―SO3) is attached, forming the negatively charged (anionic) part. This carbon chain…
Read MoreAmong synthetic detergents, commonly referred to as syndets, anionic-active types are the most important. The molecule of an anionic-active synthetic detergent is a long carbon chain to which a sulfo group (―SO3) is attached, forming the negatively charged (anionic) part. This carbon chain…
Read More