Which of the following is not a surfactant?

Options

A. `CH_(3)-(CH_(2))_(15)-N^(+)(CH_(3))_(3)Br^(-)`
B. `CH_(3)-(CH_(2))_(14)-CH_(2)NH_(2)`
C. `CH_(3)-(CH_(2))_(16)-CH_(2)OSO_(2)^(-)Na^(+)`
D. `OHC-(CH_(2))_(14)-CH_(2)-COO^(-)Na^(+)`

Explanation

To determine which of the given options is not a surfactant, we need to understand what surfactants are and their properties. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Define Surfactants
Surfactants, or surface-active agents, are compounds that lower the surface tension between two substances, such as a liquid and a solid or a liquid and a gas. They are amphiphilic molecules, meaning they have both hydrophobic (water-repelling) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) parts.

**Hint:** Remember that surfactants have both a water-loving and a water-repelling part.

### Step 2: Identify the Structure of Surfactants
Surfactants typically consist of a long hydrocarbon chain (the hydrophobic part) and a functional group (the hydrophilic part). They often carry a charge, which can be cationic (positively charged) or anionic (negatively charged).

**Hint:** Look for the presence of a charge in the options provided to identify surfactants.

### Step 3: Analyze the Options
Now, we will evaluate each option provided in the question. We need to check for the presence of cationic or anionic parts and any charges on the molecules.

1. **Option A:** Check for cationic or anionic parts and charges.
2. **Option B:** Check for cationic or anionic parts and charges.
3. **Option C:** Check for cationic or anionic parts and charges.
4. **Option D:** Check for cationic or anionic parts and charges.

**Hint:** Compare each option against the definition of surfactants.

### Step 4: Identify the Non-Surfactant
After analyzing the options, we find that:
- **Option A, C, and D** have cationic or anionic parts and charges, indicating they are surfactants.
- **Option B** does not have any cationic or anionic parts and lacks a charge, which means it is not a surfactant.

**Hint:** Focus on which option lacks the necessary structural features of surfactants.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The option that is not a surfactant is **Option B**.

**Final Answer:** Option B is not a surfactant.