How are soaps and detergents different?

How are soaps and detergents different?

Table : Difference between soaps and detergents

SoapsDetergents
1. They are sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids1. They are sodium or potassium salts of sulphonic acids.
2. They have –COONa group2. They have –SO3Na group
3. They do not work well with hard water, acidic water and saline water3. They work well with hard water, acidic water and saline water.
4. They are fully biodegradable4. Some detergents having branched hydrocarbon chain are non biodegradable
5. They do not work well with woolen garments.5. They work well with woolen garments
6.It may cause irritation to skin6. They do not cause irritation to skin
7.They take time to dissolve in water7. They dissolve faster in water
8. Example : Sodium stearate, Sodium palmitate8. Examples : Sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium       dodecylbenzenesulphonate.

The comparison between a soap and a detergent is given in Table.

Cleaning agentSoapDetergent
EffectivenessSoaps are effective cleaners in soft water.Detergents are effective cleaners in both hard and soft water.
Formation of scumSoaps form scum in hard water.Detergents do not form scum in hard water.
SourcesSoaps are made from natural resources (animal fats or vegetable oils).Detergents are made from synthetic resources such as petroleum fractions.
Formation of precipitateSoaps form precipitate in acidic water.Detergents do not form precipitate in acidic water.
Effect on the environmentSoaps are biodegradable and do not cause any pollution.Non-biodegradable detergents give thick foams that kill aquatic lives.

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