Question

Why are detergents advantageous over soaps ? Out of straight chain hydrocarbon detergents and branched chain hydrocarbon detergents , which one is preferred and why ?

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

Detergents are advantageous over soaps due to following reasons:

1. Detergents can be used with hard water whereas soaps do not form lather in presence of hard water.
2. Detergents may be used in saline water as well whereas soaps cannot be.
3. Detergents can be used to wash woolen clothes more efficiently than soaps.

Out of straight chain and branched chain detergents, straight chain detergents are preferable because straight chain hydrocarbon detergents are biodegradable and soft in nature.