Question

What is a cationic surfactant?

Answer 1

Generally surfactants are the initial components in the cleaning detergents. In the Surfactant word itself the meaning is hidden, surface active reagent. Based on the charge present in the surfactants they are categorized into anionic and cationic surfactants.

Complete step-by-step answer: - In the question it is asked about the cationic surfactant.
- Surfactants generally reduce the surface tension of the two different phases.
- In surfactants there are two ends, one end is called a hydrophilic head and the other end is called a hydrophobic end.
- The hydrophilic head will carry the charge on it.
- Because of the presence of the charge (positive or negative) on the hydrophilic end they are called the polar part.
- If the hydrophilic head contains positive charge then it is called cationic surfactant, if the hydrophilic head contains negative charge then the surfactant is called anionic surfactant.
- The best examples for cationic surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds like methylbenzethonium and benzalkonium.
- Due to the presence of positive charge or cationic head cationic surfactants are going to play a big role as anti-static product means used in hair conditioners and as fabric softener.
- We are not supposed to use both cationic and anionic surfactants together for any purpose.

Note: The cationic surfactants are going to be used to remove the cell membrane of the bacteria. Therefore cationic surfactants are going to be used as disinfectants. Cationic surfactants are also called cationic surface reagents.