Question:

Consider a cationic and an anionic softener both having linear alkyl chains. Upon application on cotton fabric, the orientation of the softener molecules on fabric can be described by the following statement(s):

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When using softeners on cotton fabrics, the ionic groups of both cationic and anionic softeners interact with the fabric surface, while the alkyl chains orient away to minimize exposure to water.
Updated On: Apr 28, 2025
  • The ionic part of the cationic softener will be close to the fabric surface and the alkyl chain will be oriented away
  • The ionic part of the anionic softener will be close to the fabric surface and the alkyl chain will be oriented away
  • The ionic part of the cationic softener will be oriented away from the fabric surface and the alkyl chain will be close to the fabric
  • The ionic part of the anionic softener will be oriented away from the fabric surface and the alkyl chain will be close to the fabric
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The Correct Option is A, D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Cationic softener behavior.
In the case of a cationic softener, the ionic group carries a positive charge, which interacts with the negatively charged fibers of cotton. Therefore, the ionic part of the cationic softener is attracted to the fabric surface, while the hydrophobic alkyl chains orient away from the surface to minimize exposure to water.

Step 2: Anionic softener behavior.
For the anionic softener, the ionic group carries a negative charge, which will interact with the positively charged parts of the fabric surface. As with the cationic softener, the ionic part will be close to the fabric surface, and the hydrophobic alkyl chain will orient away from the surface.

Step 3: Summary.
Thus, for both the cationic and anionic softeners, the ionic part is close to the fabric surface, and the alkyl chain is oriented away from the surface. Therefore, the ionic part of the anionic softener will be oriented away from the fabric surface and the alkyl chain will be close to the fabric.
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