Some of the original soaps were synthesized by heating animal fats with wood ash, which is a source of hydroxide. Animal fats consist of triglycerides (triesters). The following soap synthesis can be categorized as a basic hydrolysis of an ester. Assuming that the triglyceride completely reacts with hydroxide, draw the complete, detailed mechanism and the product of this reaction. You may simplify the molecule by using "R" groups. Be sure to define what the "R" group is. KOH (excess)
Some of the original soaps were synthesized by heating animal fats with wood ash, which is a source of hydroxide. Animal fats consist of triglycerides (triesters). The following soap synthesis can be categorized as a basic hydrolysis of an ester. Assuming that the triglyceride completely reacts with hydroxide, draw the complete, detailed mechanism and the product of this reaction. You may simplify the molecule by using "R" groups. Be sure to define what the "R" group is. KOH (excess)
Chemistry
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ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
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Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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please draw the complete, detailed mechanism and the product of this reaction.

Transcribed Image Text:## Soap Synthesis from Animal Fats
Some of the original soaps were synthesized by heating animal fats with wood ash, which is a source of hydroxide. Animal fats consist of triglycerides (triesters). The following soap synthesis can be categorized as a basic hydrolysis of an ester.
**Exercise:** Assuming that the triglyceride completely reacts with hydroxide, draw the complete, detailed mechanism and the product of this reaction. You may simplify the molecule by using “R” groups. Be sure to define what the “R” group is.
### Reaction Overview
- **Reactants:** A triglyceride molecule and excess potassium hydroxide (KOH).
- **Process:** Basic hydrolysis of the ester bonds in the triglyceride.
- **Result:** Formation of glycerol and potassium salts of fatty acids (soap).
In the diagram, the triglyceride is depicted with three fatty acid chains connected to a glycerol backbone. Upon reaction with excess KOH, each ester bond is broken, resulting in the formation of three fatty acid chains now as their potassium salt form, commonly known as soap, and one glycerol molecule.
### Diagram Explanation
- **Structure of Triglyceride:**
- Consists of a glycerol backbone esterified to three fatty acid chains.
- The fatty acid chains are represented as zigzag lines indicating hydrocarbon chains.
- **Arrow Notation:**
- The arrow shows the direction of the reaction, indicating the conversion of the triglyceride to its products in the presence of KOH.
- **Definition of “R” Group:**
- In this context, the “R” group represents the hydrocarbon chains of the fatty acids, which may vary in length and saturation.
This mechanism highlights the essential process of soap production, which transforms natural fats into usable cleansing agents.
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