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search   Chemical classification of detergents[edit]   Anionic
detergents[edit]  Typical anionic detergents are
alkylbenzenesulfonates. The alkylbenzene portion of these anions
is lipophilic and the sulfonate is hydrophilic. Two different
varieties have been popularized, those with branched alkyl
groups and those with linear alkyl groups. The former were
largely phased out in economically advanced societies because
they are poorly biodegradable.[2] An estimated 6 billion
kilograms of anionic detergents are produced annually for
domestic markets.    Cationic detergents[edit]  Cationic
detergents are similar to the anionic ones, with a hydrophobic
component, but, instead of the anionic sulfonate group, the
cationic surfactants have quaternary ammonium as the polar end.
The ammonium center is positively charged.[2]  Non-ionic and
zwitterionic detergents[edit]    See surfactants for more
applications.  Major applications of detergents[edit]  Laundry
deter