What are the salts of alkyl benzene sulphonates called?

Detergents

The correct answer is option 2. Detergents.

The salts of alkyl benzene sulphonates are commonly known as Detergents.

Alkyl benzene sulphonates are a class of organic compounds commonly used as surfactants in detergents. When alkyl benzene sulphonates are neutralized with a base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), they form water-soluble salts known as alkyl benzene sulphonate salts. These salts are the primary active ingredients in most household detergents and are responsible for their cleaning properties. While soaps are also surfactants used for cleaning, they are specifically derived from the saponification of fats or oils with a strong base, typically sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH). Therefore, while both soaps and detergents are used for cleaning, the term "detergents" specifically refers to the salts of alkyl benzene sulphonates and other similar compounds.