Why is ethanol added to the reactants in the saponification reaction?
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Because it is more effective
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Answer: Ethanol is added in order to make provide more 'contact' between the triglycerides in the oil and the aqueous solution of NaOH, and speed up the reaction.
Explanation:
Oils or fats are usually not soluble in water. As a result, there is very limited contact between the triglycerides and the OH ions. This results in a very time consuming process, and to speed this up, ethanol is added. Ethanol is not only highly soluble in water, but it can also dissolve the oil in itself, because it is a good solvent, hence forming a solution.
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