U2-3-1 - Soaps and Detergents Flashcards
Part of the Soaps, Detergents and Emulsifiers topic from Unit 2 of Higher Chemistry, Nature's Chemistry
Soaps are produced by the ________ ________ of edible fats and oils.
Soaps are produced by the alkaline hydrolysis of edible fats and oils.
Hydrolysis of fats and oils produces 3 fatty acid molecules and …
1 glycerol molecule.
What are soaps?
Water-soluble, ionic salts of fatty acids
Hydrophilic
Dissolves in water
‘water loving’
Hydrophobic
Does not dissolve in water
OR dissolves in non-polar susbtances
‘water fearing’
Identify the polar (hydrophilic) part of this molecule
Identify the non-polar (hydrophobic) part of this molecule
Which part of a soap/detergent molecule dissolves in oil or grease?
Non-polar/hydrophobic tail
Which part of a soap/detergent molecule dissolves in water?
Polar/hydrophilic head
Name this type of structure (globule of grease surrounded by soap molecules)
Micelle
When using a soap or detergent, what prevents oil droplets (micelles) from rejoining?
Negatively charged polar heads repel each other
Polar heads of the soap/detergent molecules surrounding each micelle
Why are detergents better than soap in hard water?
Unlike soaps, they do not form scum/precipitates.
