Two types of detergents are used as cleansing agents. These are soaps and synthetic detergents. These improve cleansing properties of water. These help in removal of fats which bind other materials to the fabric or skin.

Soaps are the detergents used since long. Soaps used for cleaning purpose are sodium or potassium salts of long chain fatty acids, e.g., stearic, oleic and palmitic acids. Soaps containing sodium salts are formed by heating fat (i.e., glyceryl ester of fatty acid) with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. This reaction is known as saponification.

What is the use of trisodium phosphate in soap powders?

To make the soap act rapidly

The correct answer is option 1. To make the soap act rapidly.

The use of trisodium phosphate (TSP) in soap powders is primarily: To prevent rapid drying.

Preventing Rapid Drying: Trisodium phosphate is often added to soap powders as a water softener and to prevent the rapid drying of soap solutions. It helps to maintain the moisture content of the soap, allowing for better dissolution and dispersion of the soap powder in water during the washing process. By preventing rapid drying, TSP ensures that the soap remains effective in cleaning and removing dirt and stains from fabrics.

Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is added to soap powders primarily to prevent rapid drying, which helps maintain the effectiveness of the soap in cleaning fabrics during the washing process. It serves as a water softener and ensures proper dissolution and dispersion of the soap powder in water, enhancing its cleaning performance.