Saponification (Fat + NaOH)

fat + 3NaOH → glycerol + 3 sodium carboxylate (soap)

Übersicht

Saponification is the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of triglyceride fats or oils by sodium hydroxide to produce glycerol and sodium salts of fatty acids (soap). Unlike acid-catalyzed ester hydrolysis, saponification is irreversible because the carboxylate salt is deprotonated. The reaction requires heating and stirring.

Teilnehmer

Rolle Substanz Koeffizient Zustand
Reaktant Sodium Hydroxide NaOH 3 (aq)
Produkt Glycerol C₃H₈O₃ 1 (l)

Alltägliches Beispiel

Handmade soap is produced by heating vegetable oils or animal fats with lye (NaOH) in this ancient saponification reaction.

Industrielle Bedeutung

The global soap industry produces over 25 million tonnes annually. Glycerol byproduct is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food processing.

Eigenschaften

Typ
Organic
Reversibel
Nein
Energie
Exotherm
ΔH
-25,0 kJ/mol

Verwandte Reaktionen

Epoxidation of Alkenes (mCPBA) Swern Oxidation Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone E2 Elimination (Dehydrohalogenation) Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Kolbe Electrolysis Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Dehydration of Ethanol

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Saponification (Fat + NaOH)?
The balanced equation is: fat + 3NaOH → glycerol + 3 sodium carboxylate (soap).
What type of reaction is Saponification (Fat + NaOH)?
Saponification (Fat + NaOH) is a organic reaction.
Is Saponification (Fat + NaOH) exothermic or endothermic?
Saponification (Fat + NaOH) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -25.0 kJ/mol.