What is SoapWhat is Soap

water

oil

soap molecule

If oil is added to water, the two liquids do not mix.

Because of this, grease stains can be difficult to remove during washing.

Soaps are compounds which act as emulsifiers.

This means that they help the oil to mix with the water.

Soaps are usually made from veggie fats and oils. These consist of 3 fatty acid chains, held together by a glycerol molecule.

The reaction used to make soap from fats and oils is called saponification.

• Saponification: The hydrolysis (in a basic solution) of triglycerides to produce glycerol and salts of fatty acids

• Hydrolysis- a process in which a molecule is broken up by the addition of a new substance

FatsFatsSaturated UnsaturatedSingle bond Double bondSolid LiquidAnimal (cholesterol) Plants (cholesterol free)