Question

The reaction used for preparation of soap from fat is :

• A. reduction reaction
• B. an addition reaction
• C. alkaline hydrolysis reaction
• D. an oxidation reaction

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The process of preparing soap from fat is known as saponification, which is a type of alkaline hydrolysis reaction. During saponification, triglycerides (fats) react with a strong base like sodium hydroxide (NaOH), resulting in the formation of glycerol (glycerin) and fatty acids, the key components of soap. The general equation for saponification is: \[ \text{Ester (Triglyceride)} + \text{Base (NaOH)} \longrightarrow \text{Alcohol (Glycerol)} + \text{Soap (Fatty Acid)} \] In this process, triglycerides (which are esters) undergo hydrolysis when treated with NaOH. The ester bonds in the triglycerides are broken, yielding glycerol and fatty acids. The fatty acids then combine with the sodium ions from the sodium hydroxide to form soap (sodium salts of fatty acids).
This reaction is classified as alkaline hydrolysis because it involves breaking down ester bonds using a strong base (NaOH), leading to the formation of soap and alcohol. Thus, the correct classification is an alkaline hydrolysis reaction.
\[ \text{Triglyceride (Fat)} + \text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{Glycerol (Alcohol)} + \text{Fatty Acid (Soap)} \] This reaction plays a key role in soap production.