JEE Main Chemistry question

Chemistry Chemistry in Everyday Life JEE Main

Not in JEE Main or NEET syllabus

Which of the following is an example of non-biodegradable detergent?

(A)CH_3-(CH_2)_{11}-C_6H_4-SO_3Na (straight chain)
(B)CH_3-(CH_2)_9-CH(CH_3)-C_6H_4-SO_3Na (singly branched chain)
(C)(CH_3)_2CH-CH_2-CH(CH_3)-CH_2-CH(CH_3)-C_6H_4-SO_3Na (highly branched chain)Correct
(D)CH_3(CH_2)_{10}CH_2OSO_3Na (straight chain alkyl sulphate)

Answer: (C)

Solution

Detergents with highly branched alkyl chains resist attack by bacterial enzymes and so are non-biodegradable; among these options, the most heavily branched alkylbenzenesulphonate structure is the clearest example of such a non-biodegradable detergent.

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Question ID VK-151753