Anionic surfactants
Soil removal and foam
- Ionic type
- Anionic
- Typical HLB
- High (micellar detergents)
- Foam
- High
- Key industries
- Home care, Personal care, I&I
Biodegradability: Linear alkyl species biodegrade well; hard-water tolerance varies with counter-ion and builder.
Anionic Surfactants - Overview
The word "Surfactant" is derived from "surface active agent" (also known as tensides or surface-active compounds). The primary components of cleaning detergents are surfactants. Surfactants are of 3 types: non-ionic, anionic, cationic, or amphoteric surfactants. Surfactants are amphiphilic in nature and act as surface tension reducing agents.
Types of Anionic Surfactants
Anionic surfactants (anionic surface-active agents) contain anionic functional groups at their head, such as sulfonate, phosphate, sulfate, and carboxylates. Many of these find utilization in emulsion polymerization. Other anionic surfactants include dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS), linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LABs), and alkyl-aryl ether phosphates. These anionic wetting agents and emulsifying agents are essential for various industrial applications.
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Related CAS Numbers
Technical guides for this product family
Primers matched to this chemistry family. Start here, then open a TDS.
What Are Anionic Surfactants?
Sulfates, sulfonates, and sulfosuccinates as primary detergents.
Read guide PrimerWhat Are Nonionic Surfactants?
When to pair ethoxylates with anionics for grease and hardness.
Read guide PrimerWhat Makes a Surfactant?
Charge classes including anionic basics.
Read guideFrequently Asked Questions - Anionic Surfactants
Find answers to common questions about anionic surfactants
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