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Sodium hydroxide (also known as lye) is a strong base. It is used in the manufacture of soap because of the reaction it undergoes with the triglycerides found in fats and oils.

Triglycerides are esters of glycerine and fatty acids. When a strong base is mixed with an ester, irreversible base-catalyzed de-esterification (also called saponification) occurs. The resulting products are glycerine and fatty acid salts. Long-chain fatty acid salts are good surfactants because they contain a highly polar 'head' with a long non-polar 'tail'. As such, they can solvate oils in water.

Thus, sodium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of soap to produce these useful products from fats and oils via saponification.

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What alkali is used in making soap?

The alkali most commonly used today is sodium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide can also be used.


What alkali is used to make soap?

Sodium hydroxide is commonly used as an alkali in the process of making solid soap, while potassium hydroxide is used for liquid soap. These alkalis are mixed with oils or fats to undergo a chemical reaction known as saponification, which results in the formation of soap.


What is the concentration of sodium hydroxide solution used to make soap?

The concentration of sodium hydroxide solution used to make soap is typically around 40% to 50%. This concentration is important for saponification, the chemical reaction that converts fats and oils into soap. It is crucial to handle sodium hydroxide with care due to its caustic nature.


Why you use concentrated sodiumhydroxide for preparation of soap?

Concentrated sodium hydroxide is used in the preparation of soap because it helps facilitate the saponification process, which is the reaction that converts fats or oils into soap. The high concentration of sodium hydroxide ensures a faster and more efficient reaction, resulting in the formation of soap. Additionally, concentrated sodium hydroxide helps to ensure that the desired pH level is achieved in the final soap product.


Is sodium hydroxide used for making common salt?

No, sodium hydroxide is not used for making common salt. Common salt, or sodium chloride, is typically produced by evaporating seawater or mining underground salt deposits. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base that is used in various industries, such as in the production of soap, paper, and textiles.

Related Questions

What is used in soap?

sodium hydroxide


What alkali is used in making soap?

The alkali most commonly used today is sodium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide can also be used.


What alkali is used to make soap?

Sodium hydroxide is commonly used as an alkali in the process of making solid soap, while potassium hydroxide is used for liquid soap. These alkalis are mixed with oils or fats to undergo a chemical reaction known as saponification, which results in the formation of soap.


Can sodium chloride be used to make soap instead of lye?

No, sodium chloride (table salt) cannot be used to make soap instead of lye. Lye (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) is the essential ingredient needed to saponify fats and oils to make soap. Sodium chloride does not have the same chemical properties to facilitate the soap-making process.


What is the concentration of sodium hydroxide solution used to make soap?

The concentration of sodium hydroxide solution used to make soap is typically around 40% to 50%. This concentration is important for saponification, the chemical reaction that converts fats and oils into soap. It is crucial to handle sodium hydroxide with care due to its caustic nature.


Two products that are made using sodium hydroxide?

Two products made using sodium hydroxide are soap and paper. Sodium hydroxide is commonly used in the saponification process to make soap, and it is also used in the pulp and paper industry to break down lignin in wood fibers during the papermaking process.


Which 4 acids are important for industry?

Aluminum hydroxide and Ammonia, Calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. Aluminum hydroxide is used in color fast fabrics and water purification. ammonia is used in cleaners and fertilizer, Calcium hydroxide is used in leather making and mortar and plaster making. sodium hydroxide is used to make soap.


Why you use concentrated sodiumhydroxide for preparation of soap?

Concentrated sodium hydroxide is used in the preparation of soap because it helps facilitate the saponification process, which is the reaction that converts fats or oils into soap. The high concentration of sodium hydroxide ensures a faster and more efficient reaction, resulting in the formation of soap. Additionally, concentrated sodium hydroxide helps to ensure that the desired pH level is achieved in the final soap product.


Is sodium hydroxide used for making common salt?

No, sodium hydroxide is not used for making common salt. Common salt, or sodium chloride, is typically produced by evaporating seawater or mining underground salt deposits. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base that is used in various industries, such as in the production of soap, paper, and textiles.


What is an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and how is it commonly used in various industries?

An aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is a mixture of water and sodium hydroxide, a strong base. It is commonly used in various industries for processes such as chemical manufacturing, water treatment, and soap production. Sodium hydroxide solution is also used in cleaning products, paper production, and food processing.


What chemical compound does the term NaOH represent?

NaOH is 'sodium hydroxide'. Na = 1 atom of sodium ( **Na**dium from Latin) O = 1 atom of oxygen H = 1 atom of hydrogen. Sodium hydroxide is also known as 'Cautic Soda' or 'Lye'.


Examples of bases and their uses?

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a base commonly used as a drain cleaner and in the production of soap. Ammonia (NH3) is a base found in household cleaning products and used in the production of fertilizers. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) is a base used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid.