Study notes on "ESTERIFICATION & SAPONIFICATION " (part-2)

Micelle 

The cluster of about 100 – 200 molecules with hydrophilic ends on the surface of cluster and hydrophobic ends towards the centre, is called a micelle. 

Soaps

SOAPS VS Detergents

• Soaps are sodium salts of long chain carboxylic acids.
• Detergents are sodium salts of long chain sulphonic acids.

• Soaps do not form leather with hard water.
• Detergents form leather with hard water.

• Soaps are biodegradable.
• Detergents are non biodegradable.

• Soaps do not have strong cleansing action.
• Detergents have strong cleansing action.

• Soaps are prepared from animal fats.
• Detergents are prepared from hydrocarbons of petroleum.

Advantage of soaps over detergents :
Soaps are biodegradable so they do not produce pollution.  While detergents being non biodegradable produce pollution.

Advantage of detergents over soaps :

Detergents can be used in hard water. Also, they have strong cleansing action. While soaps have weak cleansing action and they cannot be used in hard water.