Question

Question: Today, synthetic detergents like the compound drawn here, not soaps, are used to clean clothes. Explain how this detergent cleans away dirt.

Short answer

Answer

The polar part of the detergent molecule that is hydrophilic in nature interacts with water molecules. The hydrophobic tail interacts with dirt and results in the formationof micelle. The micelles can be removed by rinsing with water.

Step-by-step solution

Detergent molecules

Detergent molecules are made of two parts, the hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail and the hydrophilic polar head.

The polar head of the detergent molecules is soluble in water and interacts with it during the micelle formation. The hydrophobic tail interacts with the grease or the dirt molecules to dissolve them.

Cleansing action of detergent molecules

The different parts of the detergent molecule interact with the water molecules as shown in the following structure:

Representation of a detergent molecule

The polar head interacts with the water, and the non-polar hydrocarbon part interacts with the dirt molecules. It results in the formation of micelles, where the dirt particles are suspended in the water by the detergent molecules.

Moreover, the micelles can be removed by rinsing with water.