Question

Both soap and detergent are some type of salts. What is the difference between them?

What is the difference between the molecules of soaps and detergents, chemically?

Answer 1

Difference between soap and detergent:-

Soap molecules are sodium or potassium salts of long-chain carboxylic acids. They form scum upon reaction with calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water.

Detergent molecules are ammonium or sulphonate salts of long-chain carboxylic acids. They do not form insoluble precipitates with calcium and magnesium ions.