. Distinguish between Soap and detergent

Best Answer

Explanation:

• Soap refers to the sodium or potassium salt of long chain fatty acids (Stearic acid, Palmitic acid).

• Detergent refers to the sodium or potassium salt of a long alkyl chain terminating with a sulfonate group.

• Soaps are insoluble in hard water as they generate insoluble Calcium and Magnesium soaps.
• Hard water comprises Calcium and Magnesium ions.
• Detergents can be used in soft as well as hard water as they produce foam in hard water.
• Laundry soaps include fillers like(borax, sodium carbonate, and sodium rosinate).
• Anionic detergents are used for household purposes.
• Liquid dishwash are non-ionic detergents.
• Medicated soaps have substances with medicinal properties.
• Cationic detergent has a germicidal property.
• Cationic detergent (Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) used in hair conditioners.

Final Answer:

Hence, soaps are salts of long chain fatty acids and detergents are sulphonated long chain alcohols or hydrocarbons.