What chemical reaction takes place during the traditional saponification process of manufacturing soap from palm oil?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. alkaline hydrolysis of triglyceride esters using concentrated sodium hydroxide
- Step 1: Palm oil consists of triglycerides (esters of glycerol and fatty acids). Step 2. Saponification is the alkaline hydrolysis of these esters using concentrated aqueous NaOH (or KOH). Step 3. The reaction yields glycerol and sodium salts of long-chain fatty acids (soap). Answer: alkaline hydrolysis of triglyceride esters using concentrated sodium hydroxide. Why not the others: Acid dehydration does not produce soap; catalytic hydrogenation produces margarine; chlorination produces haloalkanes.
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