Question

The process of making soap by the hydrolysis of fats and oils with alkalis is called:
A.Hydrolysis
B.Saponification
C.Esterification
D.None of the above.

Answer 1

Hint: Hydrolysis is the chemical process in which a water molecule is added into the substance. In some reactions, the substance and water molecule split and the target substance gains hydronium ion.

Complete step by step answer:
 Saponification-as the word suggests, it is the process of formation of soaps by converting fats, oils, lipids in the presence of alkalis( like aqueous\[NaOH\] by the action of heat. For example, sodium palmitate. Thus, soaps are salts of fatty acids with long carbon chains (minimum10).

.
Esterification-Alcohol Glycerol and fatty acids condense to form esters. Fats and oils are naturally occurring esters.

Thus, Saponification, optionB. is the correct answer to the given question.

Note:
\[NaOH\] is one of the best examples of alkalis available, and is commonly called as caustic soda or lye.\[NaOH\], Sodium hydroxide is basic in nature and the most important ingredient for soap making but it is absent from the final product.