Chemistry project

(Preparation of Soap)

AIM
TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE
PROCEDURE FOR
PREPARATION OF SOAP

PROJECT PREPARE BY :-
KHUSHI KUMARI
CLASS :- 12 TH
ROLL NO :-
SESSION :-2023-25

In todays life, Soaps are used frequently in our daily

life. The primary purpose of a soap is cleaness and
sanitize. It helps in emulsifying oils and dirt,
allowing them to be washed away with water. The
objectives of the experiment is to prepare soap. The
soap is prepared by heating the mixture of mineral
oil, ethanol and sodium hydroxide until they become
 PURPOSE 12/26/2024
paste-like mixture before being cooled off in ice
bath for 15 minutes and filtered using vacuum
filtration apparatus. The pH of the soap is 11. Soap
produce precipitate if in contact with acidic water or
hardness in water such as Ca2+, Mg2+ and Fe3+
ion as in the experiment. The hydrochloric acid
needed to change the pH of the soap solutions to 3
is 10 drops of HCl.

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 INTRODUCTION 12/26/2024

The history of soap, The earliest recorded evidence

of the production of soap-like materials dates back
to around 2800 BC in ancient Babylon. A formula for
making a soap-like substance was written on a
Sumerian clay tablet around 2500 BC. This was
produced by heating a mixture of oil and wood ash,
the earliest recorded chemical reaction, and used
for washing woolen clothing. Soap, a ubiquitous
cleansing agent, has been an integral part of human
civilization for centuries. Its ability to emulsify oils
and dirt, allowing them to be washed away with
water, makes it essential for hygiene and sanitation.
This project delves into the fascinating chemistry
behind soap making, exploring the process of
saponification and the various factors that influence
the quality of the final product.

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 BACKGROUND 12/26/2024
Soap is essentially a salt of a fatty acid. It is
produced through a chemical reaction called
saponification, where fats or oils are hydrolyzed with
a, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium
hydroxide (KOH). The resulting products are glycerol
and the corresponding sodium or potassium salts of
the fatty acids, which constitute soap.

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 THEORY 12/26/2024

Saponification:
The saponification reaction involves the breaking
down of triglycerides (fats and oils) into glycerol and
fatty acid salts. Triglycerides are esters of glycerol
and three fatty acids. When they react with a strong
base like NaOH, the ester bonds are cleaved,
yielding glycerol and sodium salts of the fatty acids.

The general equation for saponification is:

(RCOO)₃C₃H5₅+ 3NaOH → 3RCOONa + C₃H₅(OH)₃

Where:

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 THEORY 12/26/2024
 (RCOO)3C3H5 represents a triglyceride
 NaOH is sodium hydroxide
 RCOONa is the sodium salt of a fatty acid (soap)
 C3H5(OH)3 is glycerol

Types of Soap:

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 THEORY 12/26/2024
 Hard Soaps: These are made using NaOH and
are typically used for general cleaning
purposes.
 Soft Soaps: These are made using KOH and are
generally used for liquid soaps and shaving
creams.


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 LEARNING OUTCOMES
12/30/2024

 Students understand the terms: soap,

saponification, salting out, hard soap and soft
soap.

 Students identify the materials which are

required for the preparation of soap.

 Students understand the use of common salt in

saponification process.

 Students understand the alkalies required for

the preparation of hard and soft soaps.

 Students understand the procedure of

saponification process.

 Students acquire the skill to perform the

preparation of soap in a real lab.

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 MATERIAL 12/26/2024

 Vegetable oil (e.g., coconut oil, olive oil)

 Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
 Distilled water
 Sodium chloride (NaCl)
 Ethanol (optional, as a solvent)
 Beakers
 Molds
 Stirring rod
 Hot plate or water bath
 Thermometer

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 PROCEDURE 12/26/2024

1. Preparation of NaOH Solution: Carefully

dissolve NaOH pellets in distilled water. It's
crucial to add NaOH to water slowly while
stirring, as the reaction is exothermic and
generates heat. Allow the solution to cool down.
2. Mixing Oil and NaOH: In a separate beaker,
heat the vegetable oil to around 60-70°C.
Gradually add the NaOH solution to the heated
oil while stirring continuously.
3. Saponification: Maintain the temperature of
the mixture and continue stirring for about 1-2
hours. The mixture will gradually thicken and
become more viscous. This process ensures
complete saponification.
4. Salting Out: Add a saturated solution of NaCl
to the mixture. This process, known as salting
out, helps to separate the soap from the
glycerol and any remaining water. The soap will
precipitate out of the solution.
5. Separation and Washing: Allow the mixture
to cool down. Separate the soap from the
remaining liquid. Wash the soap with distilled
water to remove any residual NaOH or NaCl.
6. Molding and Curing: Pour the soap into molds
and allow it to solidify for several days. This
curing process allows the soap to harden and
excess water to evaporate

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 OBSERVATIONS 12/26/2024

 The mixture will change in consistency during

saponification, becoming thicker and more
opaque.

 When 20% NaOH solution was added to the

beaker containing vegetable oil, it was observed
that the beaker was warm when touched from
the outside.

 The addition of NaCl will cause the soap to

separate from the solution.

 A whitish suspension was formed by heating the

mixture of vegetable oil and 20% NaOH solution.

 The final soap product will have in the solid

form and characteristic soapy in texture.

 After adding common salt, the soap in

suspension form precipitated out as solid.

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 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
12/26/2024
The saponification reaction successfully converts
fats or oils into soap and glycerol. The salting out
process effectively separates the soap from the
reaction mixture. The curing process improves the
soap's hardness and longevity. It is a
chemical reaction where
fats or oils are converted into soap and glycerin.
This happens when fats or oils react with a strong
base like sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) or
potassium hydroxide. The base breaks down the fat
molecules into fatty acids and glycerin.

The process requires heat to work effectively.

Saponification is essential because it’s the traditional
method for making soap, using natural fats and oils.
The result can be solid or liquid soap, depending on the
specific ingredients and conditions used in the process.
This simple reaction has been used for centuries to
create everyday soap

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FACTORS AFFECTING SOAP QUALITY
12/26/2024

 Type of Fat/Oil: Different fats and oils yield

soaps with varying properties. For instance,
coconut oil produces a hard, quick-lathering
soap, while olive oil creates a milder,
slower-lathering soap.
 Concentration of NaOH: The correct
concentration of NaOH is crucial for
complete saponification. Too much NaOH
can make the soap harsh, while too little
can result in unsaponified oil.
 Temperature: Maintaining the appropriate
temperature during saponification is
essential for a smooth reaction.
 Stirring: Continuous stirring ensures proper
mixing of the reactants and promotes
efficient saponification.
 Salting Out: The concentration of NaCl used
in salting out affects the separation of soap.
 Curing: Adequate curing time is necessary
for the soap to harden and for excess water
to evaporate.
 pH Level: The soap produced through
saponification is usually basic, with a pH
higher than 7 This basicity is due to the
presence of leftover sodium hydroxide that
might haven’t fully reacted.
 Cleaning Properties: The soap produced
through saponification has cleaning
properties because it can emulsify fats and
oils, allowing them to be washed away with
water. This is why soap is effective in
cleaning greasy or oily substances.

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 APPLICATIONS OF SOAP
12/26/2024

 Cleansing: Soap is primarily used for cleaning

skin, clothes, and various surfaces.
 Personal Hygiene: Soap plays a vital role in
maintaining personal hygiene and preventing the
spread of diseases.
 Industrial Uses: Soap is used in various
industrial processes, such as textile
manufacturing and metalworking.
 Handwashing and hand sanitizers: Soaps are
used for effective hand hygiene.
 Household cleaning: Soaps ensure a clean and
safe environment.
 Used as lubricant: Sometimes soaps are used
as lubruicant.
 Used as dishwas: Soap is used to clean dishes
by breaking down grease and food particles,
making it easier to remove them from the
utensils.
 Removing Grease: Soap can be used to remove
grease from hands, tools, and surfaces. It helps in
breaking down the grease for easier cleaning.
 Shaving: Soap can be used as a lubricant for
shaving to provide a smooth glide and prevent
irritation. It also helps in softening the hair for a
closer shave.
 DIY Projects: Soap can be used in various DIY
projects like making homemade cleaning
products, bath bombs, and candles. It adds a
cleansing element to these project.

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 CONCLUSION
12/26/2024
This project provides a hands-on understanding of
the soap-making process, highlighting the chemical
principles involved and the factors that influence the
quality of the final product. By carefully controlling
the reaction conditions and using appropriate
ingredients, one can produce soap with desired
properties for various applications.

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DETECTION OF
12/26/2024
pH VALUE
Experiment:

Small samples of cold drinks of different brands

ware taken in a test tube and put on the ph Paper
was noticed and was composed with the standard
pH

Observation:

S Name of drink Color pH Value

L change
N
o.
1 Coca Cola Pink 2.5-3

2 Sprite Red 3

3 Limca Pinkish 4

4 Fanta Light Orange 3-4

Inference:

Soft drinks are generally acidic because of CITRIC

ACID and PHOSPHORIC ACID pH Value of different
cold drink brands is different due to variation in
amount of acidic contents

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TEST FOR CARBON
DIOXIDE
12/26/2024

Experiment:

As soon as the bottles were opened one by one the

samples were passed through LIME WATER the lime
water turns MILKY .

S Name of drink Time taken Conclusi

L (in sec) on
N
o.
CO2presen
1 CocaCola 26.3 t
CO2presen
2 Sprite 21 t
CO2presen
3 Limca 25 t
CO2presen
4 Fanta 36 t

Inference:

All soft drinks contain dissolved CO2

Chemical Reaction involved:

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TEST FOR CARBON
DIOXIDE
12/26/2024
 Ca (OH)₂+CO₂  CaCO₃ +H₂O

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 TEST FOR GLUCOSE
12/26/2024

Experiment:

Glucose is reducing sugar acid its presence is

detected by the following test.

Benedict’s reagent test:

Small sample of cold drink of different brands were

taken in a test tube and a few drops of Benedict’s
reagent were added to it test tube was heated for a
few seconds Reddish coloration confirmed the
presence of glucose in the samples.

Observation:

Sl Name of Time taken (in Conclusion

No
.
drink sec)

1 CocaCola Reddish color (ppt) Glucose is present

Reddish color (ppt)
2 Sprite Glucose is present
Reddish color (ppt)
3 Limca Glucose is present
Reddish color (ppt)
4 Fanta Glucose is present

Inference:
All the samples gave positive test for glucose with
Benedict’s reagent hence all of them contain
glucose.

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 TEST FOR ALCOHOL
12/26/2024

Experiment:

Small samples of cold drinks of different brands

were taken in separate test tube and iodine followed
by Potassium iodide and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
solution was heated in hot water for 30 minutes.
Presence of yellow colored ppt. confirmed the
presence of alcohol.

Observation:

Sl Name of Observation Conclusion

No
.
drink

1 CocaCola Yellow ppt Alcohol present

Yellow ppt
2 Sprite Alcohol present
Yellow ppt
3 Limca Alcohol present
Yellow ppt
4 Fanta Alcohol present

Inference;

All samples contain as they give positive test for it.

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 TEST FOR PHOSPHATE
12/26/2024

Experiment:

Small samples of the drinks of different brands

were taken in separate test tubes and ammonium
Molybdate followed by nitric acid HNO was added to
it Presence of canary yellow ppt confirmed the
presence of phosphate ions in cold drinks.

Observation:

Sl Name of Observation Conclusion

No
.
drink

1 CocaCola Canary yellow ppt Phosphate present

2 Sprite Canary yellow ppt Phosphate present

3 Limca Canary yellow ppt Phosphate present

4 Fanta Canary yellow ppt Phosphate present

Inference:

All samples contain phosphate as they give positive

test for it.

Chemical Reactions involved:

NaHP0₄ + 12 (NH₄)₂MnO₄ + 21HNO₃ + 3H 

(NH₄)₃PO₄MoO₃ + 21HN₄NO + 12H₂O

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 TEST FOR SUCROSE
12/26/2024

Experiment:

Small samples of cold drinks of different brands

were taken in separate china dish and were strongly
heated until changed occurred. Black colored
residue left confirmed the presence of sucrose in the
taken samples.

Observation:

Sl Name of Observation Conclusion

No
.
drink

1 CocaCola Black residue Sucrose present

2 Sprite Black residue Sucrose present

3 Limca Black residue Sucrose present

4 Fanta Black residue Sucrose present

Inference:-

All cold drinks contain sucrose fanta contains it in

higher amount.

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 RESULT 12/26/2024

After conducting several tests it was concluded that

different brands of cold drinks namely .

i. Coca Cola
ii. Sprite
iii. Limca
iv. Fanta

All contain glucose sucrose alcohol, phosphate and

carbon Dioxide all of them are acidic in nature.

On comparison we found out that coca cola is most

acidic and limca is least acidic amongst all the four
brands taken,. Sprite had highest amount of CO₂
dissolved while Fanta had the least.

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 CONCLUSION
12/26/2024

Disadvantages of Cold Drinks:

 Soft drinks are a little more harmful than sugar

solution as they contain sugar in large amount
which causes problem for diabetic patients.
 They contain weight gain.
 They contain phosphoric acid which has a pH
value of 2.8 which is enough to dissolve a nail in
about four days.
 Soft drinks have the ability to remove blood so
they are very harmful to body.
 Cause of cancer.
 Increased risk of weight gain and obesity when
consumed in excess.
 Destructive to the kidneys, as excessive
consumption of soft drinks can increase the risk
of kidney disease.

Uses of Cold Drinks:

 Cold drinks can be used as toilet cleaners.

 They can remove rust spots from chrome car
hampers.
 They can lose a rust bolt.
 They can clean corrosion from car battery
terminals.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY
12/26/2024

Followings books and websites were a

source for my project:

1.Laboratory Manual of Chemistry

2.Dinesh Companion Chemistry
Websites used :
https://www.google.com
https://www.wikipedia.com
https://www.unoregon.edu
https://www.bing.com

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