Question

Which of the following sets of materials can be used for conducting a saponification reaction for the preparation of soap?

(a) Ca(OH)₂ and neem oil

(b) NaOH and neem oil

(c) NaOH and mineral oil

(d) Ca(OH)₂ and mineral oil

Answer 1

Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of long-chain fatty acids. They are prepared by the reaction of a long-chain fatty acid with either NaOH or KOH. This reaction is known as the saponification reaction. Among the given sets of materials, a soap can be prepared by the reaction between NaOH and neem oil (long-chain fatty acid).

Hence, the correct answer is option (b).