Tide Detergent Facts
Tide detergent, introduced just after World War II, went through a very long development stage, spanning the Great Depression and the raw-material shortages incurred during World War II. It was the first synthetic detergent that did not use traditional soap-making ingredients. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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Tide detergent consists of three parts sodium tripolyphosphate and one part alkyl sulfate. It is a synthetic soap that David Byerly, who worked for Proctor & Gamble, developed through the 1930s and early 1940s, patenting it in 1945.
Function
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The alkyl sulfate in the Tide detergent helps clean clothes, and the sodium tripolyphosphate helps keep clothes feeling soft.
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Significance
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Tide detergent was the first synthetic, heavy-duty detergent able to clean heavily soiled clothing without leaving them feeling stiff and scratchy. It also cleaned well in hard water without leaving scum behind.
Types
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Tide detergent is sold in powdered and liquid forms. The powdered version is available in nine different varieties, including a cold-water variety and a high-efficiency variety. Tide liquid sells 16 different varieties, including Fabreeze and bleach alternative.
Recognition
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On October 25, 2006, Proctor & Gamble received a commemorative bronze plaque recognizing Tide detergent as a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The American Chemical Society funds the ceremony in an attempt to bring awareness to the public about the contributions of chemistry to the world.
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