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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3el240

Which statement about the compound shown is correct?

  1. AIt is a soap that precipitates Ca2+
  2. BIt is a non-ionic detergent whose hydrophilic part is a polyoxyethylene chain ending in OH
  3. CIt is an anionic detergent with a sulphate head
  4. DIt is a cationic detergent with an ammonium head

Answer: B

The compound shown is a dodecyl polyethylene glycol ether (lauryl alcohol ethoxylate). It carries no charge; its hydrophilic part is the chain of OCH2CH2 units ending in OH, which hydrogen-bonds to water. It is therefore non-ionic and does not precipitate Ca2+.
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