Question:

Which among the following is used in detergent?

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Detergents differ from soaps as they work well in hard water and are often based on synthetic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulphate.
Updated On: May 22, 2025
  • Sodium acetate
  • Sodium stearate
  • Calcium stearate
  • Sodium lauryl sulphate
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The Correct Option is D

Approach Solution - 1

Step 1: Understanding the Role of Detergents
Detergents are surfactants that help in emulsifying grease and oils, making them soluble in water.
Common detergents include anionic detergents such as sodium lauryl sulphate (\( {CH}_3 ({CH}_2)_{10} {CH}_2 - {OSO}_3^-{Na}^+ \)).
Step 2: Why is Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Used?
Sodium stearate is used in soaps, not in detergents.
Calcium stearate is insoluble and not used in detergents.
Sodium lauryl sulphate is widely used in detergents due to its excellent cleansing properties.
Thus, the correct answer is (D).
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Approach Solution -2

Step 1: Understand what detergents are
Detergents are cleansing agents that work in water and are used for cleaning purposes. They are usually synthetic and contain surfactants that reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to mix with oil and grease for effective cleaning.

Step 2: Role of surfactants in detergents
Surfactants are compounds that contain both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling or oil-attracting) ends.
These help emulsify greasy and oily dirt, making them soluble in water so they can be washed away.

Step 3: Identify the correct compound used in detergents
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a widely used anionic surfactant found in many cleaning and personal care products such as shampoos, soaps, and especially detergents.
Its structure includes a long hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain and a hydrophilic sulphate group, making it effective in breaking down and emulsifying grease and oil.

Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options (if present)
Other compounds like sodium chloride or sodium carbonate may be present in some formulations but do not act as surfactants.

Final Answer: Sodium lauryl sulphate
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