Question

How shop nd detergent formed? and what is its formula

Answer 1

Soap is made by heating animal fat or vegetable oil with concentrated sodium hydroxide solution (caustic soda).
formulas –>1) C17 H35 COO–Na+
2) C15H31COO–Na+
Detergent are made from long chain hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. They are usually used to make washing powder.
Formula 1) CH3—(CH2)11—C6H4—SO3-Na+
2) CH3—(CH2)10—SO4-Na+
eqñ for soap =>
Ester +Sodium Hydroxide —> Soap + Glycerol (an alcohol)

Answer 2

Soaps are the sodium or potassium salts of long chain hydrocarbons.
Formula of a simple soap
CH3COONa.

Detergents are the ammonium or sulphate salts of animal fats.
Formula of a simple detergent
C18H29NaO3S.


Soaps are formed by saponification reaction. A carboxylic acid is reacted with sodium hydroxide to form soap.


- Maheshwaran.