detergent
Sign in to savethumb|Detergents A detergent is a product for cleaning that contains surfactants plus other components. Detergents comprise surfactants as main functional components to remove hydrophobic grease or dirt by dispersing them in water. They often further comprise water (to facilitate application), builders (to soften water), enzymes (for breaking down proteins, fats, or starches), and dyes or fragrances (to improve the user's sensory experience).
AI overview
A detergent is a cleaning product made primarily of surfactants—substances that work by breaking down and dispersing greasy dirt in water so it can be rinsed away. Beyond surfactants, detergents typically contain water for application, water-softening agents, enzymes to break down organic matter, and dyes or fragrances to improve how they look and smell.
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Article
16 sectionsContents
- Definitions
- Components
- Surfactants
- Chemical classifications of surfactants
- Anionic surfactants
- Cationic surfactants
- Non-ionic surfactants
- Amphoteric surfactants
- History
- Major applications of detergents
- Household cleaning
- Fuel additives
- Biological reagent
- See also
- References
- External links
thumb|Detergents A detergent is a product for cleaning that contains surfactants plus other components. Detergents comprise surfactants as main functional components to remove hydrophobic grease or dirt by dispersing them in water. They often further comprise water (to facilitate application), builders (to soften water), enzymes (for breaking down proteins, fats, or starches), and dyes or fragrances (to improve the user's sensory experience).
Common surfactants used in detergents are alkylbenzene sulfonates, which are soap-like compounds that are more soluble than soap in hard water, because the polar sulfonate is less likely than the polar carboxylate of soap to bind to calcium and other ions found in hard water.