answersLogoWhite

0

Good question! Simple answer is: Yes for some detergents. Detergents are formulations of many different chemicals, but they all require a "surface active" agent or surfactant to clean off oily grime that would not easily come off with just water alone. Both petrochemical (from petroleum) or oleochemical (from animal and plants) surfactants are used in detergents. While oleochemicals can come from both animal and plants, surfactant chemicals are generally plant based. One question raises another. Is it better to use only oleochemical based detergents based on plants, a renewable resource? The answer is not at all clear, either from an environmental or energy conservation persective, as discussed in the attached link. One aspected pointed out in the second link- cold water detergent requires use of petrochemical surfactant, so there's a energy savings in terms of heating water. I've included two links. Note that one link is prepared from Proctor and Gamble, a maker of many detergents, however I felt in this case, the discussion was presented in an unbiased manner. They conclude that a blend of both petrochemical and oleochemical surfactants can produce the best product for the consumer. There are many related links on oleochemicals, petrochemicals and surfactant chemicals.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Chemistry

What things that is made from crude oil?

Crude oil is used to make various products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, and lubricants. It is also used as a raw material in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, detergents, and fertilizers. Additionally, crude oil is processed into asphalt for road construction and into waxes for candles and cosmetics.


Is margarine made of crude oil?

Margarine is not made of crude oil but it can be produced using vegetable oil or a combination of oils. Margarine is a spreadable butter substitute that is made through a process of hydrogenation to solidify the oils. Crude oil, on the other hand, is a fossil fuel used for energy production.


Is glue made from crude oil?

Yes, some types of glue are made from petroleum-based products derived from crude oil, such as synthetic adhesives. These adhesives are made by processing and refining crude oil to create polymers that can then be used in glue formulations.


What is crude oil made of?

Crude oil is made up of hydrocarbon molecules, which are compounds composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. It also contains small amounts of impurities such as sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen compounds. The composition of crude oil can vary depending on its source.


Is coal made out of crude oil?

No, coal is not made out of crude oil. Coal is a solid fossil fuel that is formed from the remains of plants that lived millions of years ago, while crude oil is a liquid fossil fuel formed from the remains of marine plants and animals.

Related Questions

What things that is made from crude oil?

Crude oil is used to make various products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, and lubricants. It is also used as a raw material in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, detergents, and fertilizers. Additionally, crude oil is processed into asphalt for road construction and into waxes for candles and cosmetics.


Which is the costliest product from crude oil?

plastic is made from crude oil.


How are polymers made into crude oil?

Polymers are not made into crude oil. Crude oil is composed of a mixture of hydrocarbons that are naturally occurring in the earth's crust. However, polymers can be derived from crude oil through a process called polymerization, where small molecular units (monomers) derived from crude oil are chemically bonded together to form long chains known as polymers.


What is the name of a factory where crude oil is made?

Crude oil is not "made". "Crude oil" is the name giving to the raw form of oil that is pumped from the ground.


Is gasoline an oil?

Gasoline is processed from crude oil. It is not oil but it is from oil. Diesel is a type of oil and it is also made from crude.


Does lipstick contain crude oil?

Yes it is made of crude oil :).


Are aspirin made from crude oil?

yes using phenol, a compound that is derived from crude oil.


What is fuel oil made from?

It is derived from crude oil.


Is diesel oil made from crude oil?

yes


What laundry detergent made out of?

soapless detergents are made from oil products.


Is crude oil made from organic matter?

Well, yes...but crude oil isn't exactly made; they drill a hole in the ground and pump it out.


Is polythene made from crude oil?

Yes, polythene, also known as polyethylene, is made from crude oil through a process called polymerization. Crude oil is refined to obtain ethylene monomers, which are then polymerized to form long chains of polyethylene molecules, creating the plastic material.