Detergentide
Detergentide refers to a broad class of amphiphilic molecules used as detergents in cleaning products, food processing, and laboratory procedures. Like other detergents, they possess a hydrophobic tail and a hydrophilic head, allowing them to adsorb at interfaces and form micelles that trap oily soils. This action lowers surface tension and promotes solubilization, emulsification, and wetting.
Detergentides are not a single compound but a family of surfactants that can be anionic, cationic, zwitterionic,
In industrial and domestic contexts, detergentides serve in laundry detergents, dish liquids, and household cleaners. In
Commercial detergents emerged in the mid-20th century with synthetic surfactants designed to work in hard water,
Environmental and safety considerations focus on biodegradability and aquatic toxicity. Some detergentides persist or adsorb in
See also: Surfactant; Anionic detergent; Nonionic detergent; Cationic detergent.