(i) Cationic detergent

Cationic detergents are made up of quaternary ammonium salts of acetates, chlorides, or bromides. The cationic part of these detergents contains a long hydrocarbon chain and a positive charge on the N atom.

For example: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide

(ii) Anionic detergents

Anionic detergents are mainly of two types:

Sodium alkyl sulphate - These detergents are sodium salts of long chain alcohols. They are prepared by treating alcohols with concentrated sulphuric acid and then with sodium hydroxide. Examples - sodium lauryl sulphate (C₁₁H₂₃CH₂OSO₃^-Na⁺) and sodium stearyl sulphate (C₁₇H₃₅CH₂OSO₃^-Na⁺).

Sodium alkylbenzenesulphonates - These detergents are sodium salts of long chain alkylbenzenesulphonic acids. They are prepared by Friedel-Crafts alkylation of benzene with long chain alkyl halides or alkenes. The obtained product is first treated with concentrated sulphuric acid and then with sodium hydroxide. Example - Sodium 4-(1-dodecy) benzenesulphonate (SDS). 

(iii) Non-ionic detergents

Detergents do not contain any ions or charged species are non-ionic detergents. These detergents are esters of alcohols having high molecular mass. They are obtained by reacting polyethylene glycol and stearic acid.