Question

Describe the structure of ammonium lauryl sulfate. Refer to the given diagram. Your answer should include the type of bonding, the elements contained, and the size and shape of the molecule. Write a short paragraph.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) is the common name for ammonium dodecyl sulfate (CH3(CH2)10CH2OSO3NH4). The anion consists of a nonpolar hydrocarbon chain and a polar sulfate end group. The combination of nonpolar and polar groups confers surfactant properties to the anion: it facilitates the dissolution of both polar and non-polar materials. ALS is classified as a sulfate ester. It is found primarily in shampoos and body wash as a foaming agent. Lauryl sulfates are very high-foam surfactants that disrupt the surface tension of water in part by forming micelles at the surface-air interface.