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What is Anionic Surfactant
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An anionic surfactant is a type of surfactant that contains a negatively charged head group. These head groups are typically carboxylates, sulfates, or sulfonates. The tail of an anionic surfactant is usually a long hydrocarbon chain, which is hydrophobic and interacts with nonpolar substances such as grease and oil.
Anionic surfactants are commonly used in detergents, soaps, and shampoos. They are effective at removing dirt and grime because the negatively charged head group attracts and binds to positively charged ions in water, while the hydrophobic tail dissolves the grease and oil.
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