Saponification

Base-catalyzed hydrolysis of triglycerides yielding soap and glycerol.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Hydroxide ions cleave the ester bonds of triglycerides, releasing fatty acid salts.
• Sodium hydroxide yields hard bar soaps while potassium hydroxide yields soft or liquid soaps.
• The glycerol byproduct is recovered for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Specifications & Metrics

• GENERAL FORM: Fat + 3NaOH → Glycerol + 3 Soap