Question

The cleansing action of synthetic detergent is due to the presence of ___________.

Options

• hydroxyl group

• sulphonate groups

• nitrate group

• carbonyl group

Answer 1

The cleansing action of synthetic detergent is due to the presence of sulphonate groups.

Explanation:

Unlike soaps which contain –COO⁻ (carboxylate) groups, synthetic detergents contain –SO₃⁻ (sulphonate) or –OSO₃⁻ (sulphate) groups as their hydrophilic (water-loving) end. These sulphonate groups are responsible for the detergent's ability to attract water while the long hydrocarbon chain attracts oil/grease, enabling the same micelle-forming cleansing action as soap.