Question

Mention the essential materials (chemicals) to prepare soap in the laboratory. Describe in brief the test of determining the nature (acidic/alkaline) of the reaction mixture of a saponification reaction.

Answer 1

The essential materials are edible oil (from animal or vegetable origin), caustic alkali (NaOH or KOH) and common salt. The reaction mixture in the saponification reaction is of alkaline nature since it contains in it a caustic alkali. The nature can be tested by adding a few drops of red litmus to the mixture. Its colour will change to blue.