how does hard water affect a detergent?
Kindly note that -SO3- Na+ is the functional moiety whereas -COONa is the functional group in soap.
Hard water contains Ca or Mg ions. When a soap is used in hard water, calcium and magnesium ions present in the water react with soap to form a precipitate. This reaction is relatively slow and always the surface of the soap will be covered with this precipitate.
at the same time the Ca and Mg salts of sulphonic acid (detergents) Ca(R-SO3)2 or Mg salts are soluble in water, since the cation bound Oxygen is more polar in detergents on comparison with soaps (where it is C)
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 1 hours.