MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / Chemistry in Everyday Life / Soaps and detergents: anionic, cationic, non-ionic from drawn structures
JEE Advanced levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 3 of 3el243

Select all correct statements about the compound shown.

  1. AIt is an anionic detergent
  2. BIts aqueous solution gives a precipitate with Ca2+ much like a soap
  3. CIt is biodegradable because its alkyl chain is unbranched
  4. DIt is the sodium salt of a strong acid, so its anion does not hydrolyse appreciably in water

Answer: A, C, D

The compound shown is sodium 4-dodecylbenzenesulphonate (linear chain). The sulphonate head is anionic, the straight chain is degraded by bacteria, and the sulphonic acid is strong, so the sulphonate anion does not hydrolyse appreciably and the solution is not alkaline. Its calcium salt is reasonably soluble, so it does not form scum like a soap.
Practice Chemistry in Everyday Life More on Soaps and detergents: anionic, cationic, non-ionic from drawn structures
Previous questionNext question

More questions on Soaps and detergents: anionic, cationic, non-ionic from drawn structures