Question

Hydroxide of which alkali metal is used in the manufacture of soft soap?

• A. Caesium
• B. Sodium
• C. Potassium
• D. Lithium

Hint:

Potassium hydroxide is used for making soft soap, while sodium hydroxide is used for making hard soap.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding soft soap production.
Soft soap is typically made by saponifying fats with potassium hydroxide (KOH). Potassium hydroxide produces softer soaps compared to sodium hydroxide, which is used for hard soaps.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Caesium: Caesium hydroxide is not used in soap production due to its high reactivity.
(B) Sodium: Sodium hydroxide is used for hard soaps, not soft soap.
(C) Potassium: Correct — Potassium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of soft soap.
(D) Lithium: Lithium hydroxide is not used in soap production.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) Potassium, as it is used in the production of soft soap.