During a “perm”, disulfide bonds can be broken and reformed using which treatments, respectively? I think the answer is a. but can someone confirm this?
a. an oxidizing agent followed by a reducing agent
b. a reducing agent followed by the use of water
c. an oxidizing agent followed by heat
d. a reducing agent followed by heat
e. a reducing agent followed by an oxidizing agent
The correct answer is a. An oxidizing agent followed by a reducing agent. This treatment sequence is commonly used during a perm to break and reform disulfide bonds in the hair. The oxidizing agent, typically a waving lotion containing ammonium thioglycolate, breaks the disulfide bonds, and the reducing agent, usually a neutralizer containing hydrogen peroxide, helps to reform the bonds into a new shape. This process allows the hair to be permanently curled or waved.
To determine which treatments are used during a "perm" to break and reform disulfide bonds, we can analyze the options provided:
a. an oxidizing agent followed by a reducing agent
b. a reducing agent followed by the use of water
c. an oxidizing agent followed by heat
d. a reducing agent followed by heat
e. a reducing agent followed by an oxidizing agent
In a perm, the disulfide bonds in hair are broken and then reformed in a different configuration to create a new hairstyle. Disulfide bonds are typically broken using a reducing agent such as thioglycolic acid, which breaks the bonds by adding hydrogen atoms. Once the desired hair shape is achieved, the disulfide bonds are reformed.
Therefore, the correct answer is e. a reducing agent followed by an oxidizing agent. This choice aligns with the typical process used during a perm where a reducing agent is used to break the disulfide bonds and an oxidizing agent, commonly hydrogen peroxide, is used to reform the bonds and set the new hairstyle.
To confirm this answer, you could also consult reliable sources such as hairdressing textbooks or articles that discuss the chemical processes involved in perms.