Question

Which of the following is correct in the context of sodium stearate, `CH_(3)(CH_(2))_(16)COO^(-)Na^(+)` .
A. It is a major component of many bar soaps
B. The `-COO^(-)` group is the polar-ionic head and is hydrophilic
C. The `R-`group is the nonpolar- tail and is hydrophobic
D. All of these

Answer 1

Correct Answer - D
When dissolved in water, sodium stearate dissociates into `RCOO^(-)` and `Na^(+)`inos. However, the `RCOO^(-)` inos consist of two parts-a long hydrocarbon chain `R` (also called non-polar tail) which is hydrophobic (water repelling) and a polar group `COO^(-)` (also called polar-ionic head) which is hydrophilic (water loving).