Which surfactant is known for its use in many cleaning products?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognized as a highly effective surfactant widely utilized in various cleaning products, such as shampoos, soaps, and detergents. Surfactants work by lowering the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread more easily and penetrate surfaces for better cleaning efficacy. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, in particular, has both cleaning and foaming properties, making it ideal for formulations where lather and the removal of oils and dirt are important.

In contrast, the other substances mentioned serve different purposes. EDTA is primarily a chelating agent used to bind metal ions and prevent them from interfering with cleaning processes, but it does not have the surfactant properties that help with foaming or emulsification. Boric acid is mainly recognized for its antiseptic properties and is often used as an insecticide or preservative but is not a surfactant. Roccal is a brand name for a type of quaternary ammonium compound used as a disinfectant and antimicrobial agent but is also not classified as a traditional surfactant in the same way as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Understanding these differences highlights why Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is the correct choice for this question about common surfactants in