detergents

• Detergents


  Chemically defined as the ammonium or the alkyl benzene sulfonate salts of a long chain of carboxylic acids
• Chemical formula for detergent

  C18H29NaO3S
• Components of detergents


  • Surfactants (Surface Active Agents)
  • Builders
  • Chelating Agents
  • Enzymes
  • Builders and Fillers
  • Fragrances
  • Optical Brighteners
  • Preservatives
  • Dyes and Pigments
• Surfactants (Surface Active Agents)

  • Have both hydrophobic (water-repelling) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) parts, which allow them to interact with both water and oily or greasy substances
  • Help to emulsify and lift away dirt and stains from surfaces
• Builders


  • Enhance the cleaning efficiency of detergents by softening water and preventing the precipitation of minerals that can reduce the effectiveness of surfactants
  • Common builders include phosphates, zeolites, citrates, and carbonates
• Chelating Agents


  • Added to detergents to bind with metal ions present in hard water, preventing them from interfering with the cleaning process
  • Examples include EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and NTA (nitrilotriacetic acid)
• Enzymes


  • Biological catalysts that break down complex stains and soils into smaller, more soluble fragments
  • Protease enzymes target protein-based stains, amylase enzymes break down starches, and lipase enzymes tackle fatty stains
• Builders and Fillers


  • Substances that provide bulk to the detergent and help control its physical form (liquid, powder, or granules)
  • Sodium sulfate is a common filler used in powdered detergents
• Fragrances


  • Added to provide a pleasant scent to the detergent, improving the overall consumer experience
• Optical Brighteners


  • Chemicals that absorb ultraviolet light and emit blue light, making fabrics appear brighter and whiter
  • They do not remove stains but enhance the visual perception of cleanliness
  • One common example is stilbene-based compounds
• Preservatives


  • Prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, extending the shelf life of the product
  • Example: Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is a synthetic preservative known for its antimicrobial properties
• Dyes and Pigments


  • Added to give the detergent its characteristic color, making it visually appealing and helping consumers differentiate between different products
• Properties of detergents


  • Surface-Active Agents (Surfactants)
  • Wetting Agents
  • Emulsification
  • Dispersing Agents
  • pH Control
  • Chelating Agents
  • Compatibility
  • Foaming Properties
• Principal types of detergents

  • Anionic Detergents
  • Cationic Detergents
  • Nonionic Detergents
  • Amphoteric Detergents
  • Enzyme Detergents
  • Specialty Detergents
• Anionic Detergents


  • Have a negative charge
  • Examples: Sodium lauryl sulfate, alkylbenzene sulfonates
  • Effective at removing oily stains, good foaming properties, commonly used in household cleaners and laundry detergents
• Cationic Detergents


  • Have a positive charge
  • Examples: Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), benzalkonium chloride
  • Often used as disinfectants, fabric softeners, and in hair conditioners
  • Not suitable for general cleaning due to their positive charge
• Nonionic Detergents

  • Do not have a charge
  • Examples: Alkyl polyglucosides, ethoxylated alcohols
  • Good for cleaning without producing excessive foam, effective against grease and oils
  • Often used in dishwashing detergents and laundry detergents for delicate fabrics
• Amphoteric Detergents


  • Can be both positively and negatively charged, depending on the pH of the solution
  • Examples: Cocamidopropyl betaine, amine oxides
  • Mild and compatible with different types of surfaces
  • Often used in personal care products like shampoos and body washes
• Enzyme Detergents


  • Active Agents: Enzymes (proteases, amylases, lipases)
  • Effective in breaking down protein, starch, and lipid-based stains
  • Commonly used in laundry detergents to enhance stain removal
• Specialty Detergents


  • Examples: High-efficiency (HE) detergents, color-safe detergents
  • Tailored for specific applications, such as high-efficiency washing machines or fabrics that require special care