[Moz29386]

Q The surfactant has a structure CH3(CH2)11(OCH2CH2)8OH. Give a brief description of the general structure of this surfactant molecule and explain how this gives rise to “surface-active” properties.

My answer was:

I split the molecule into 2 portions Ch3(Ch2)11 as the hydrophobic portion
and (Och2Ch2)8OH as the hydrophilic. It has one slightly hydrophilic group
(Och2) and a very hydrophilic group (OH) The molecule will therefore form
a film on the surface of the water (because the hydrocarbon portion is insoluble) giving it surface active properties.

I think im missing something! Help would be appreciated.

Thanks