Definition

Noun: A type of synthetic detergent where the active, surface-cleaning part of the molecule carries a negative electrical charge (anion) when dissolved in water. These detergents are effective cleaners and produce high amounts of foam.

Usage

"Anionic detergent" is a technical term used in chemistry, manufacturing, and product labeling. It describes the chemical class of many common cleaning agents. - Sodium lauryl sulfate is a common anionic detergent found in shampoos and toothpastes. - The laboratory protocol specified using an anionic detergent for the cell lysis step.

Advanced Usage

• In Biochemistry: Anionic detergents like SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) are used to denature proteins and break apart cell membranes for analysis.
  • The protein sample was prepared in a buffer containing the anionic detergent SDS.

Variants and Related Words

• Anionic (adjective): Relating to or being an anion (a negatively charged ion).
  • The anionic nature of the compound makes it highly soluble in water.
• Detergent (noun): A cleansing substance that acts like soap but is made from chemical compounds rather than fats and lye.
  • Laundry detergent is essential for cleaning clothes.

Synonyms

• Anionic surfactant: A more precise synonym, as "surfactant" is the broader term for surface-active agents that lower surface tension.
• Soap (in a general, non-technical context): While true soap is chemically distinct (a salt of a fatty acid), the word is sometimes used loosely for cleaning agents.

Related Phrases / Compounds

• Nonionic detergent: A synthetic detergent whose molecules do not dissociate into ions in solution.
• Cationic detergent: A detergent where the active part of the molecule carries a positive charge.

Noun

1. a class of synthetic detergents in which the molecules do not ionize in aqueous solutions