Question

Explain the following term with a suitable example:

Cationic detergents

Define the following:

Cationic detergents

Answer 1

Cationic detergents are quaternary ammonium salts of acetates, chlorides, or bromides. These are called cationic detergents because the cationic part of these detergents contains a long hydrocarbon chain and a positive charge on the N atom.

For example: Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide

\[\begin{bmatrix}
\phantom{..........}\ce{CH3}\\
\phantom{........}|\\
\ce{CH3(CH2)15 - N - CH3}\\
\phantom{........}|\\
\phantom{..........}\ce{CH3}
\end{bmatrix}^+ \text{Br}^-\]

Answer 2

Cationic detergents are quarternary ammonium salts of amines with acetates, chlorides or bromides as anions. Cationic part possess a long hydrocarbon chain and a positive charge on nitrogen atom. Therefore, these are called cationic detergents.

Example: Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide