Organic compounds with a hydrophilic (attracted by water) head and a hydrophobic (repelled by water) end. Surfactants reduce the surface tension of water by adsorbing at the air-water interface. They also reduce the interfacial tension between oil and water by adsorbing at the liquid-liquid interface. Surfactants are the main components of cleaning products.
Glossary Term Name
Legacy NID
3870
Legacy VID
10891