Chapter 21, Problem 15P

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation

The structural formula of potassium stearate should be identified

Concept Introduction

Soaps are sodium or potassium salt of long chain fatty acids, produced by a process called saponification. The saponification process is one where a triglyceride and sodium or potassium hydroxide reacts to give glycerol and salt of fatty acid salt (soap). The triglycerides used in the process are mainly obtained from animal fats or vegetable oils.
Thus, potassium stearate is the potassium salt of stearic acid.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The structural formula of sodium palmitate should be identified

Concept Introduction:

Soaps are sodium or potassium salt of long chain fatty acids, produced by a process called saponification. The saponification process is one where a triglyceride and sodium or potassium hydroxide reacts to give glycerol and salt of fatty acid salt (soap). The triglycerides used in the process are mainly obtained from animal fats or vegetable oils.
Thus, sodium palmitate is the sodium salt of palmitic acid