2007-01-25 18:41:27 · 3 answers · asked by badja 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
This is termed the 'common ion effect'.
Soap (exemplified by sodium stearate) partially ionizes in water...
Na(stearic acid) <===> Na+ + stearate- (in soln)
Addn of excess Na+ drives this equilibrium to the left, and stearic acid is insoluble in water...so it ppts out.
ADDED LATER
I should have mentioned a second factor: addn of Na+ Cl- increases the polarity of the soln, and the acid's long hydrocarbon chain is non-polar, so the micelles agglomerate and ppt out.
2007-01-26 00:08:30 · answer #1 · answered by L. A. L. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The alkaline bond of the sodium in both products causes the chlorine in both products to seperate, therefore bringing the chlorine to return to it's gaseous state.
2007-01-26 05:43:51 · answer #2 · answered by ultvg 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cos sodium chloride(common salt) is heavier than soap by its molecular weights.
2007-01-26 02:52:19 · answer #3 · answered by robert KS LEE. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋