Surfactant

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-011683",
  "term": "Surfactant",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A substance that, when added to a liquid, reduces its surface tension or interfacial tension with another liquid or solid. These molecules typically have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, allowing them to accumulate at interfaces. Surfactants are widely used as detergents, emulsifiers, and wetting agents.",
  "synonyms": [
    "surface active agent"
  ],
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "surface tension"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1972, 31, 577. 'Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units, Appendix II: Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry' on page 611 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac197231040577)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/surfactant/"
}