Question

The chemical name of calgon is:

• A. Sodium hexametaphosphate
• B. Potassium hexametaphosphate
• C. Calcium hexametaphosphate
• D. Sodium hexametaphosphate

Hint:

Calgon is commonly used in detergents and water treatment to prevent hardness.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The chemical compound known as "calgon" is primarily used as a water softener. It functions by sequestering calcium and magnesium ions which are the metals responsible for hard water. The chemical name for "calgon" is Sodium hexametaphosphate. This compound is represented by the formula (NaPO₃)₆. Sodium hexametaphosphate acts by chelating the metal ions, thereby preventing them from forming insoluble salts and hence softening the water. Among the options provided, it is the correct choice due to its ability to effectively perform this function.

Answer 2

The chemical name of Calgon is:
Sodium hexametaphosphate

Explanation:
Calgon is a well-known commercial product primarily used as a water softener in detergents and cleaning agents. The chemical responsible for this property is sodium hexametaphosphate, a polymeric compound composed of repeating phosphate units linked together in a cyclic structure.

Sodium hexametaphosphate acts by binding to metal ions such as calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺), which are responsible for water hardness. By chelating these metal ions, it prevents them from forming insoluble salts like calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate, which cause scale formation and reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.

The ability of sodium hexametaphosphate to sequester metal ions makes it highly valuable in water treatment and cleaning products. It enhances cleaning efficiency by preventing the deposition of metal salts on fabrics and surfaces, thus improving the performance of detergents.

In summary, Calgon’s chemical identity as sodium hexametaphosphate explains its function as a water softener through metal ion sequestration, helping in various domestic and industrial cleaning applications.