Which of the following statements are correct ?

Options

A. Cationic detergents have germicidal properties
B. Bacteria can degrade the detergents containing highly branched chains
C. Some synthetic detergents can give foam even in ice cold water .
D. Synthetic detergents are not soaps .

Answer

To determine which statements are correct regarding detergents, let's analyze each statement one by one.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Statement 1: Cationic detergents have germicidal properties.**
- Cationic detergents are known to possess germicidal properties due to the presence of positively charged ions (cations) in their structure. These cations can disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria, leading to their destruction. Therefore, this statement is **correct**.

2. **Statement 2: Bacteria can degrade the detergents containing highly branched chains.**
- This statement is incorrect. Bacteria generally cannot degrade detergents that have highly branched chains. In fact, to ensure biodegradability, manufacturers often keep the branching in detergents to a minimum. Thus, this statement is **incorrect**.

3. **Statement 3: Some synthetic detergents can give foam even in ice-cold water.**
- This statement is true. Certain synthetic detergents are formulated to produce foam even in cold water, which is advantageous for cleaning purposes in various conditions. Therefore, this statement is **correct**.

4. **Statement 4: Synthetic detergents are not soap.**
- This statement is also correct. Soaps are typically made from fatty acids or their salts, while synthetic detergents are chemically different and do not necessarily contain fatty acids. Thus, this statement is **correct**.

### Conclusion:
Based on the analysis:
- Statement 1: Correct
- Statement 2: Incorrect
- Statement 3: Correct
- Statement 4: Correct

The correct options are **1, 3, and 4**.