The process of saponification involves the hydrolysis of fats/oils with:
A. Alcohol
B. Dilute acid
C. Water alone
D. Strong base
Answer: Option D
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
Saponification is the alkaline hydrolysis of fats or oils (which are esters of fatty acids) using a strong base like NaOH or KOH. This reaction produces glycerol and the sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids, which are soaps. It is an irreversible reaction.
Explanation:
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is commonly used for pickling (cleaning) steel to remove rust and scale (iron oxides) before further processing like galvanizing or plating. Reaction: Fe₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2FeCl₃ + 3H₂O. Sulfuric acid is also used. Nitric acid is an oxidizer and would passivate some metals. Acetic acid is too weak.
Explanation:
A soap molecule has a long hydrocarbon chain which is hydrophobic (water-repelling) or lipophilic (fat-loving), and an ionic head (usually -COO⁻Na⁺) which is hydrophilic (water-loving) or lipophobic (fat-repelling). Both A and B correctly describe these dual properties essential for cleaning action.
Explanation:
Bleaching powder (CaOCl₂) reacts with dilute acids or even CO₂ from air to release chlorine: CaOCl₂ + H₂SO₄ → CaSO₄ + Cl₂ + H₂O; or with CO₂: CaOCl₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + Cl₂. The chlorine gas acts as oxidizing and bleaching agent. Actually the bleaching is due to nascent oxygen produced by chlorine with water: Cl₂ + H₂O → 2HCl + [O]. But the key is chlorine liberation.
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