JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3el045
Detergents with a highly branched hydrocarbon chain are a pollution problem because
Abranched chains prevent micelle formation
Bmicro-organisms break down branched chains slowly, so the detergent persists and causes foam in water bodies
Cthey react with water to give insoluble lead salts
Dthey are cationic and kill all fish at once
Answer: B
Bacteria degrade straight chains readily but attack branched chains slowly. The detergent therefore accumulates in rivers and lakes and produces persistent foam.