Which one of the following is not a sufactant?

Options

A. `CH_3-(CH_2)_15 -underset(CH_3)underset(|)overset(CH_3)overset(|)(N)""^(o+)-CH_3Br `
B. `CH_3 -(CH_3)_14 -CH_2-NH_2`
C. `CH_3-(CH_2)_16-CH_2OSO_2-Na^+`
D. `OHC-(CH_2)_14-CH_2-COO-Na^+`

Explanation

To determine which of the following options is not a surfactant, we need to understand what a surfactant is. A surfactant, or surface-active agent, is a substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, allowing it to spread more easily. Surfactants typically consist of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail.

**Step-by-step solution:**

1. **Understand the Definition of Surfactants**: Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between two substances, such as between a liquid and a gas, or between two liquids. They usually have a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail.

2. **Analyze the Options**: We need to evaluate each of the given options to determine if they act as surfactants. This involves checking if they can reduce surface tension and if they have the characteristic structure of surfactants.

3. **Check Each Option**:
- **Option 1**: If it produces a positive ion (like Na+ or H+) when dissolved in water, it may act as a surfactant.
- **Option 2**: If it also produces a positive ion, it may be a surfactant.
- **Option 3**: If it produces H+, it may also be a surfactant.
- **Option 4**: If it produces Br- and does not give a positive charge when dissolved in water, it is likely not a surfactant.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the compound that produces Br- and does not yield a positive charge in water is not a surfactant. Therefore, this option is the correct answer to the question.

**Final Answer**: The compound that produces Br- is not a surfactant.

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