tell me something about detergents and micele formation

Dear Student

 

A detergent is a non-soapy cleaning agent which are capable of reacting with water to dislodge the foreign durt and dust particles from a solid surface (clothes or floor).

Examples of detergents are CH₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂OSO₃^-Na⁺ (sodium lauryl sulphate2), CH₃(CH₂)₁₆CH₂OSO₃^-Na⁺ (sodium stearyl sulphate)

 

The long non-polar end is hydrophobic while the polar end containing the carboxylate ion, is hydrophillic end. So, in water the hydrophobic end gravitate towards and surround the dirt and the short polar end containing the carboxylate ion, face the water away from the dirt. A number of soap molecules surround or encircle dirt and grease in a clustered structure. This clustered structure is called 'micelles'.

We hope that clarifies your query.

Regards,

Team

Topperlearning