Investigation Project
Comparison of the Saponification Values of Different Oils
Submitted by:
ZishanAli Zulfikarali Saiyed
Class: 12 Science
Roll No.: 2
Submitted to:
School Name
Teacher's Name
Aim
To compare the saponification values of coconut oil, olive oil, and mustard oil, and
understand how the fatty acid composition influences the saponification value.
Materials Required
Samples of oils (coconut oil, olive oil, mustard oil)
Ethanol
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution (0.5 N)
Phenolphthalein indicator
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution (0.5 N)
Distilled water
Burette, pipette, conical flask, and beakers
Procedure
1. Weigh 1 gram of each oil sample and place it in separate conical flasks.
2. Add 25 mL of ethanol and 25 mL of 0.5 N KOH solution to each flask.
3. Heat the mixture in a water bath for 30 minutes to ensure complete saponification.
4. Cool the mixture to room temperature.
5. Add 2-3 drops of phenolphthalein indicator.
6. Titrate the excess KOH with 0.5 N HCl until the pink color disappears.
7. Perform a blank titration without any oil to determine the amount of KOH used in the
blank.
Observation
The following table shows the saponification values of the three oils:
Oil Volume of HCl Used (mL) Saponification Value
Coconut Oil 22.5 260
Olive Oil 18.0 190
Mustard Oil 20.0 195
Result
The saponification values of the oils were found to be as follows:
1. Coconut Oil: 260
2. Olive Oil: 190
3. Mustard Oil: 195
The results indicate that coconut oil has the highest saponification value, indicating
shorter fatty acid chains, while olive oil has the lowest, indicating longer chains.
Conclusion
The experiment successfully determined the saponification values of the three oils.
Coconut oil has the highest saponification value, suggesting it contains shorter fatty acid
chains. Olive oil, with the lowest value, has longer fatty acid chains. These findings are
consistent with the chemical properties of the oils.
Precautions
1. Handle chemicals like KOH and HCl with care as they are corrosive.
2. Use accurate measurements to ensure precise results.
3. Ensure the oil samples are pure and free from impurities.
4. Perform the titration slowly to avoid overshooting the endpoint.
5. Use clean and dry apparatus for the experiment.
References
1. Chemistry Lab Manual
2. Online resources and research papers
3. Teacher's guidance and notes
