2007-01-25 18:38:53 · 3 answers · asked by badja 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Because the fat (eg glyceryl tristearate) undergoing saponification is more soluble in alcohol, offering a more homogeneous (hence more rapid) reaction mixture.
Aqueous NaOH wd result in an emulsion, slower and messier. But I believe the aq system IS used commercially because it is cheaper...no alcohol recovery required, etc.
2007-01-26 00:27:21 · answer #1 · answered by L. A. L. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure, I'm an alcoholic and I I guess I've never made soap. Seriously though, sodium hydroxide is used in the preparation if soap as itsoponifies the fatty acids much better than alcohol
2007-01-25 18:48:18 · answer #2 · answered by crazymofo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly this is just a guess, but I think it may have something to do with miscibility.
2007-01-25 18:46:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋