CHEM 208 Study Guide - Soap Film, Chemical Polarity, Detergent
Document Summary
Surfactants: soaps and detergents are composed of surfactants, surfactants are water-soluble & surface-active agents, are composed of a hydrophilic (water-soluble) head and a hydrophobic (fat- soluble, water-hating) tail. In aqueous solutions they cluster near the surface. Classes of surfactants: anionic surfactants negative charge, cationic surfactants positive charge, non-ionic surfactants no charge, amphoteric surfactants both positive and negative charges. Advantages: manufactured from combination of natural & renewable resources & is biodegradable does not pollute water. Disadvantages: formation of soap film (scum) in water containing high concentrations of ca2+ and mg2+ ions (hard water), can clog sewage systems due to gelling properties, & poor adaptability to diversity of fibers, washing temperatures and water conditions. Detergent: anionic or non-ionic surfactants made from petrochemicals. Advantages: less affected by calcium and magnesium ions in water= better cleaning agents & detergents adapt to diversity of fibers, washing temperatures and water conditions. Disadvantages: made from non-renewable petroleum based oils, most detergents are not biodegradable.
