2007-01-07 07:21:21 · 5 answers · asked by cool2rule2 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
A metallic alkali (or base) reacts with an oil or fat to form a soap.
Fat+base+heat --------------------> glycerol+soap.
The alkali BREAKS THE ESTER BOND releasing the fatty acid
and glycerol. Ester bonds are FORMED in acidic conditions;
but BROKEN in basic conditions. You could say that basic
conditions are needed to break the bonds and 'dissolve the fat'.
In acidic conditions the bonds are NOT broken and the fat is not
'dissolved'.
2007-01-07 07:58:05 · answer #1 · answered by BB 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Fat is an ester of fatty acids and glycerol. Strong bases break the acid-glycerol bond, forming a salt of that acid, and liberating free glycerol.
In general, bases like sodium or potassium hydroxide will split esters into their constituent acid and alcohol.For example oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate) when reacted with hot NaOH will form sodium salicylate and methanol. Do not try this at home.
2007-01-07 07:46:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Common bases include sodium and potassium hydroxide. A solution of these in water will react with fat, which is an organic acid. A more or less soluble salt is formed. This salt is called a soap.
2007-01-07 07:29:51 · answer #3 · answered by Flyboy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-01-25 19:00:26 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fats are mildly acidc, so when mixed with a base (alkali) they react and begin to neutralise each other.
2007-01-07 07:29:45 · answer #5 · answered by chaz13541 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋