Question

What is Saponification?

Answer 1

Saponification is the name given to the process which involves conversion of fats, oils and lipids to soap and alcohol upon heating in the presence of an aqueous alkali like Sodium Hydroxide.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Saponification can be defined as a type of hydration reaction where free hydroxide ions break down the ester bonds between the fatty acids and glycerol of a triglyceride; this would result in free fatty acids and glycerol which are soluble in aqueous solutions. It involves the conversion of fat, oil or lipid into soap and alcohol by the action of heat in the presence of aqueous alkali.
It is simply a process used to manufacture soaps. Soaps are just potassium or sodium salts of long-chain fatty acids. During saponification, ester reacts with an inorganic base to produce alcohol and soap.
The equation of the reaction can be written as:
Ester + Base-> Alcohol + soap
In the above reaction, the reactants are Ester and any given base which react together to form any given alcohol along with soap.

Additional information: Soaps play an essential part in maintaining good health and hygiene of individuals. Soaps are essential to cleanse dirt and oil off the objects including the surface of the skin. Soaps are widely used in bathing, cleaning, washing and in other household chores.

Note: Saponification is the heart and soul of soap formation in industries, the process of saponification proceeds in the presence of a water soluble base and heat, lack of any of these components would hinder or ultimately stop the soap forming reaction.