Ingredients in Cleaning Materials

Physical Science
Mayzel S. Rosales
Pili National High School
1. Alcohol Ethoxylate (AE)
These compounds are synthesized via the reaction of a fatty alcohol and
ethylene oxide, resulting in a molecule that consists of two main components,
(1) the oleophilic, carbon-rich, fatty alcohol and (2) the hydrophilic,
polyoxymethylene chain.
Alcohol ethoxylate surfactants enhance the mixing and solubilization of
oil and water by having these contrasting sections within the same compound.
With this unique structure, a single molecule can inhabit the interface of two
immiscible phases (i.e. oil and water), effectively bringing them closer together
and lowering the interfacial energy associated between them.
Because these compounds are surfactants, they can be used whenever
oily substances encounter water or a surface. It can be used as detergents,
wetting agents, emulsifiers, degreasers and emollients in many lines of
commercially available products and industrial practices.
2. Sodium Alkyl Sulfates
Sodium alkyl sulfate are members of alkyl sulfates. They are water-
soluble and can form soap bubbles. The chemical formula is
CnH2n+1OSO2ONa.
It can be used in detergents, dish washing liquids, shower gels,
shampoos, hair conditioners and fabric softeners. It can also be used as
fire extinguishing agent, because it is not flammable. In the cosmetic
industry it is used as an emulsifier to mix oily and water-soluble
compounds for toothpaste or moisturizing products.
It can produce irritating vapors when heated, consisting of carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and others. As all detergents it
can irritate skin and eyes. If swallowed, it will cause nausea or vomiting.
3. Amine Oxide
An amine oxide, also known as amine-N-oxide and N-
oxide, is a chemical compound that contains the functional
group R3N+-O-, an N-O bond with three additional hydrogen
and/or hydrocarbon side chains attached to Long-chain alkyl
amine oxides are used as nonionic surfactants and foam
stabilizers.
Amine oxides are highly polar molecules and have a
polarity close to that of quaternary ammonium salts. Small
amine oxides are very hydrophilic and have an excellent water
solubility and a very poor solubility in most organic solvents.
4. Ammonia
Ammonia is a colorless, soluble alkali gas that occurs naturally in
the environment. It is a chemical containing one nitrogen and three
hydrogen atoms bonded together. It was traditionally used in many
household cleaners, though today it's still found in glass cleaner, all-
purpose cleaners, and smelling salts. When used in cleaning
compounds, it's called "household ammonia."
Ammonia fumes are powerful irritant, potentially harming your
skin, eyes, nose, lungs and throat. When found in oven cleaners and
window cleaning formulations, it is an irritant to the mucous
membranes. When working with ammonia, wearing heavy-duty gloves,
goggles, and a face mask are smart precautions to protect your health.
5. Sodium hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite also known as bleach is another alkali
disinfectant. Bleach works by oxidizing or breaking down the
molecular bonds of stains and germs.
Another useful but dangerous cleaner it also has strong
corrosive properties that may do serious damage to the human
body. Ammonia and bleach are a particularly dangerous
combination, creating potentially deadly gases when mixed. Never
store these two chemicals in the same place.
Bleach in the bottle is generally a five percent solution. Toxic
chlorine gas can be formed if bleach is mixed with acids, such as
bowl cleaners.
6. Ethanol
Ethanol is a natural byproduct of plant fermentation

and can be produced through the hydration of ethylene. It
mixes easily with water and many organic compounds, and
makes an effective solvent for use in paints, lacquers and
varnish, as well as personal care and household cleaning
products.
Ethanol is highly flammable and should not be used
near open flames. Ethanol inhalation can cause coughing or
headaches.
7. Phenol
Phenol, any of a family of organic compounds characterized by a
hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a carbon atom that is part of an aromatic
ring. Besides serving as the generic name for the entire family, the term
phenol is also the specific name for its simplest member,
monohydroxybenzene (C6H5OH), also known as benzenol, or carbolic acid.
Phenols are similar to alcohols but form stronger hydrogen bonds. They
are more soluble in water than are alcohols and have higher boiling points.
Phenols occur either as colorless liquids or white solids at room temperature
and may be highly toxic and caustic.
Phenols are widely used in household products and as intermediates for
industrial synthesis. For example, phenol itself is used (in low concentrations)
as a disinfectant in household cleaners and in mouthwash. Phenol may have
been the first surgical antiseptic. In 1865 the British surgeon Joseph Lister
used phenol as an antiseptic to sterilize his operating field.
8. Quaternary ammonium
The quaternary ammonium compounds (or quats) are a family of low-
level disinfectants (according to Spaulding) with most quats being derived
from benzalkonium. Quats are reacted to provide a variety of chain lengths
and molecular structures so that the mix of quats used in the disinfectant
provide a wider range of efficacy than a single chain.
Quats are generally used to disinfect countertops, toilets and other
high touch environmental surfaces and floors. Quaternary ammonium
compounds are cationic disinfectants. This means the quats chain carries a
positive (plus) charge on one end of the molecule; many soils and
soaps/detergents carry an anionic or negative (minus) charge.
Quats can also bind with, or be absorbed by, materials and fibers
including cotton (e.g., cleaning rags and mops). Quats generally take 3-10
minutes to disinfect and should be used with cleaning tools that are tested
to be compatible.
9. Sodium percarbonate.
Sodium percarbonate is a powder that releases

hydrogen peroxide, and very concentrated. It is a granulated
powder which can be nice for scrubbing stains and stuck-on-
gunk off dishes. Scouring powder is made from hydrogen
peroxide. It can be made into a paste, too, and used on tile
grout and tough stains.
In using this product, follow and read the instructions
carefully. Be very careful in handling all household cleaning
products.

Ingredients in Cleaning Materials

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ingredients in Cleaning Materials

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ingredients in Cleaning Materials

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Physical Science

Ethanol is a natural byproduct of plant fermentation

Sodium percarbonate is a powder that releases

You might also like