Soap structure (sodium/potassium salt of long-chain fatty acid) (RCOONa: polar carboxylate head, hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail)
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RCOONa — polar carboxylate head, hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| R | Saturated/unsaturated long chain from fats/oils |
When to use this
Forms micelles in water; cleans by emulsifying grease. Hard water causes scum with Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ soaps.