Question

Consider the following comments about saponification reactions:

I. Heat is evolved in these reactions.

II. For quick precipitation of soap, sodium chloride is added to the reaction mixtures.

III. Saponification reactions are a special kind of neutralisation reactions.

IV. Soaps are basic salts of long-chain fatty acids.

The correct comments are

(a) I, II and III

(b) II, III and IV

(c) I, II and IV

(d) Only I and IV

Answer 1

Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of long-chain fatty acids. Since sodium and potassium hydroxides are bases, their solutions in water are alkaline.

Dissolution of sodium or potassium hydroxide in water evolves a large amount of heat. Thus, saponification reactions are exothermic in nature.

Common salt is added in a saponification reaction, as it helps in the precipitation of a soap by decreasing the solubility of the soap.

Thus, statements I, II and IV are correct.