The Question is from neet-chemistry principles-related-to-practical-chemistry , and it was created by the author Mr. S M HUSSAIN

Question

Which of the following detergents possesses a positively charged hydrophilic head?

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: Option B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Detergent Structure and Properties
 **Related Topics**: Surfactants, micelles, hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of organic chemistry, ionic compounds.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks to identify a detergent with a positively charged hydrophilic head.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the provided options:  Sulfonates, Quaternary ammonium compounds, Ethylene oxide condensates, and Carboxylates.
  Reasoning: We need to determine which of these detergent types has a positively charged head group that interacts favorably with water (hydrophilic).
 2. Examine the structure of each option:
  Sulfonates ($R-SO_3^-Na^+$): These possess a negatively charged sulfonate head.
  Quaternary ammonium compounds ($R_4N^+$): These possess a positively charged quaternary ammonium head.
  Ethylene oxide condensates: These are non-ionic detergents, meaning they don't have a charged head group.
  Carboxylates ($R-COO^-Na^+$): These possess a negatively charged carboxylate head.
  Working:  Only quaternary ammonium compounds have a positively charged hydrophilic head.
 3. Identify the correct option:
  Result: Quaternary ammonium compounds (Option B) are the detergents with a positively charged hydrophilic head.
  Verification: The positive charge on the quaternary ammonium head allows for strong interaction with water molecules (hydration), making it hydrophilic.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: Sulfonates have a negatively charged hydrophilic head ($-SO_3^-$).
[B] ✓: Quaternary ammonium compounds have a positively charged hydrophilic head ($-N(R)_4^+$).
[C] :x: Ethylene oxide condensates are non-ionic detergents; their hydrophilic head is not charged.
[D] :x: Carboxylates have a negatively charged hydrophilic head ($-COO^-$).
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing anionic and cationic detergents:  Remembering that sulfonates and carboxylates are anionic (negatively charged) and quaternary ammonium compounds are cationic (positively charged) is crucial.
  2.Overlooking the charge on the hydrophilic head:  Focus on the charge of the head group, not the whole molecule.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the common examples of cationic detergents:  Benzalkonium chloride is a common quaternary ammonium compound.
  2.Use mnemonics:  Think  'Quat' for Quaternary ammonium compounds, remembering 'Quat' implies positive charge.

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Sulfonates

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

The correct Option is "Quaternary ammonium compounds"

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Ethylene oxide condensates

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Carboxylates

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