Detergents are prepared by the action of `H_(2)SO_(4)` , on which of the following?

Options

A. Cholesterol
B. Lauryl alcohol
C. Cyclohexanol
D. p-Nitrophenol

Answer

To solve the question regarding the preparation of detergents by the action of sulfuric acid, we need to analyze the options provided and identify which compound reacts with sulfuric acid to form a detergent.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Compounds**: We have four options to consider - cholesterol, lauryl alcohol, cyclohexanol, and paranitrophenol. We need to determine which of these can react with sulfuric acid to form a detergent.

2. **Identifying Lauryl Alcohol**: Lauryl alcohol, also known as 1-dodecanol, has the chemical structure CH3(CH2)10OH. This is a long-chain alcohol that can undergo sulfonation when treated with sulfuric acid.

3. **Reaction with Sulfuric Acid**: When lauryl alcohol reacts with sulfuric acid (H2SO4), it forms lauryl hydrogen sulfate. The reaction can be summarized as:
\[ \text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{26}\text{OH} + \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow \text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{25}\text{OSO}_3\text{H} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]
Here, lauryl hydrogen sulfate is formed.

4. **Formation of Detergent**: The lauryl hydrogen sulfate can then be neutralized with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) to form sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a common anionic detergent:
\[ \text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{25}\text{OSO}_3\text{H} + \text{NaHCO}_3 \rightarrow \text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{25}\text{OSO}_3\text{Na} + \text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]

5. **Conclusion**: Among the given options, lauryl alcohol is the compound that reacts with sulfuric acid to produce a detergent. Therefore, the correct answer is **lauryl alcohol**.

### Final Answer:
**Lauryl alcohol (1-dodecanol)** is the compound that reacts with sulfuric acid to produce detergents.