Summary
Olive oil is saponified using a sodium hydroxide saturated methanol solution. The formation of suds in water is demonstrated with the resulting soap.
Hazards
The solution of NaOH in methanol is caustic.
Chemicals and Solutions
- 30 mL of saturated NaOH in methanol (20g NaOH/30 mL MeOH)
- Olive Oil
Materials
- Stir rod
- Beaker, 150mL
- Graduated cylinder, 10 mL
- Stoppered test tube with water
Procedure
- Put 6 mL of olive oil and 30 mL of saturated sodium hydroxide in methanol in a beaker.
- Add a stirring bar and stir. Soap forms.
- Shake some of the homemade soap with water and suds will form.
Discussion
Saponification is the alkaline hydrolysis of glyceryl trialkanoates to form glycerol and a mixture of salts of long chain carboxylic acids. These salts of long chain carboxylic acids are soaps.