What is Saponification explain
Answers
Saponification
Saponification is a process by which triglycerides are reacted with sodium or potassium hydroxide (lye) to produce glycerol and a fatty acid salt, called "soap." The triglycerides are most often animal fats or vegetable oils. When sodium hydroxide is used, a hard soap is produced. Using potassium hydroxide results in a soft soap.
Saponification Example
Lipids that contain fatty acid ester linkages can undergo hydrolysis. This reaction is catalyzed by a strong acid or base. Saponification is the alkaline hydrolysis of the fatty acid esters. The mechanism of saponification is:
* Nucleophilic attack by the hydroxide
* Leaving group removal
* Deprotonation
The chemical reaction between any fat and sodium hydroxide is a saponification reaction.
triglyceride + sodium hydroxide (or potassium hydroxide) → glycerol + 3 soap molecules