What are the Differences between Soaps and Detergents?

Answer»

Differences between Soaps and Detergents

Soaps	Detergents
They are metal salts of long Chain higher fatty acids.	These are sodium salts of long chain hydrocarbons like alkyl sulphates or alkyl benzene sulphonates.
These are prepared from vegetable, Oils and animal fats.	They are prepared from hydrocarbons of petroleum or coal.
They cannot be used effectively in hard water As they produce scum. i.e .insoluble Precipitates of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺	These do not produce insoluble precipitates in hard water. They are They are effective in soft, hard or salt water.
These cannot be used in acid solutions.	They can be used even in acid solutions.
Their cleansing action is not very strong	Their cleansing action is by surfactants, which is a strong cleansing action.
These are biodegradable	Some of these are not biodegradable.

Discussion