Soaps and Detergents


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Soaps and Detergents

Soaps and Detergents: Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of long chain carboxylic acids and have general formula RCOONa. where, R = C15H31, C17H35 etc. Detergents are usually ammonium or sulphonate salts of long chain carboxylic acids. They are also called as soapless soap.

Manufacture of Soaps and Detergents:

Soaps are made from animal fats or vegetable oils by heating it with sodium hydroxide. This process of preparation of soap is called saponification.

Structure of a Soap Molecule:

A soap molecule is made up of two parts: a long hydrocarbon part (or non-ionic part) and a short ionic part containing —COONa+ group. The long hydrocarbon part is hydrophobic and therefore insoluble in water but soluble in oil. The ionic portion of the soap molecule is hydrophilic so, soluble in water and insoluble in oil.

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Sample Questions
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Question : 1

The effectiveness of soap is reduced when it is used in _________________

Right Option : D
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Question : 2

Which of the following are correct :

(a) Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of long chain carboxylic acids and have general formula RCOONa.

(b) Detergents are usually ammonium or sulphonate salts of long chain carboxylic acids.

(c) Soaps are made from animal fats or vegetable oils by heating it with sodium hydroxide.

Right Option : D
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Question : 3

Soaps are ________________________ salts of long chain carboxylic acids.

Right Option : D
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