What is Saponification?
Saponification is the chemical reaction between a metallic alkali (base) and a fat or oil to form soap.
Fat/Oil + Strong Base (NaOH) -> Soap + Glycerol
- Hydrolysis: The reaction is a type of ester hydrolysis.
- Salting Out: Adding NaCl (Salt) reduces the solubility of soap, causing it to precipitate and float to the top for collection.
- Glycerol: A valuable byproduct used in cosmetics and medicines.