Saponification
Saponification
Saponification (/səˌpɒnɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/) is a process that involves conversion of fat, oil, or lipid into soap and alcohol by the action of heat in the presence of aqueous alkali (e.g., NaOH or KOH). Soaps are salts of fatty acids and fatty acids are long chain monocarboxylic acid. An example of saponification can be observed in the soap-making process where animal fats, which are triglycerides, are converted to soap and glycerol.
Etymology
The term saponification is derived from the Latin word 'sapo', which means soap. The Italian word 'saponificare', which means "to turn into soap", also contributes to the etymology of this term.
Process
The saponification reaction is exothermic in nature, i.e., heat is evolved during the reaction. It is a base-catalyzed reaction. Here, ester undergoes hydrolysis under basic conditions. The carboxylate ion obtained is the soap.
Related Terms
- Ester: An organic compound made by replacing the hydrogen of an acid by an alkyl or other organic group.
- Hydrolysis: The chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.
- Alkali: A type of base that dissolves in water.
- Fatty acid: A carboxylic acid consisting of a hydrocarbon chain and a terminal carboxyl group.
- Triglyceride: An ester derived from glycerol and three fatty acids.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Saponification
- Wikipedia's article - Saponification
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