Detergents that are degraded by microorganisms are known as biodegradable detergents. They have hydrocarbon chains that are straight. For instance, sodium lauryl sulfate.

Non-biodegradable detergents are those that are not degraded by microorganisms. The hydrocarbon chains in their bodies are heavily branched. For instance, sodium -4-benzene sulphonate (1, 3, 5, 7- tetramethyl octyl)