Explain why detergents which have an amphipathic structure l

Explain why detergents, which have an amphipathic structure like bile salts, are able to remove both water-based and oil-based stains.

Solution

Detergents are generally ammonium or sulphonate salts of long chain carboxylic acids. The ionic-end of detergent dissolves in water while the carbon chain dissolves in oil (similar to soaps). unlike soaps, the charged ends of detergents do not form insoluble precipitates with the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water. Thus, they remain effective even in hard water.