Question

In the saponification lab, why did the saponification reaction require the long period of stirring?

Do you think that the type of fat used will make a difference in the product? Why or why not?

Answer 1

i)

The saponification is a chemical reaction in which the reaction occurs between the fatty acid and hydroxide base to form the liquid soap. All the fatty acids are hydrophobic due to presence of long hydrocarbon chain. Therefore, these fatty acids are not water soluble. Thus, In the saponifaction reaction, they take longer time to complete the reaction with hydroxide base. Due to these reason, saponification reaction requires the long period of stirring.

ii)

As we know that the types of soaps and its nature depend upon the fatty acids used in the saponification reaction. Thus, fatty acids are the key component of the soaps. Hence, the types of the fatty acids used make differences in the products.