Classification of Surfactants

Surfactants are classified by their ionic properties in water as like anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric.

1. Anionic is negative charge based on sulfate and carboxylate anions for example; Ammonium lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Soaps.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate ( CH3(CH3)CH2OSO3Na) is clear yellow liquid. It is foaming agent detergent and surfactant.

2. Cationic is positively charged emulsifiers such as : Benzalkonium chloride, Cocamidopropyl betaine and cetylpyridinium chloride.
3. Nonionic is no charge such as Fatty Alcohols,
   Alkyl poly(ethylene oxide), Cocamide MEA.
4. Amphoterics is capable of both positive and negative charge or no charge. Amphoteric surfactants, such as sodium laurimino-dipropionate.