SOAPS AND DETERGENTS
SOAPS
-a salt of a fatty acid used in a variety of cleansing and lubricating products. In a
domestic setting, soaps are surfactants usually used for washing, bathing, and
other types of housekeeping.
-a substance used for washing and cleansing purposes, usually made by treating a
fat with an alkali, as sodium or potassium hydroxide, and consisting chiefly of the
sodium or potassium salts of the acids contained in the fat.
-a cleaning or emulsifying agent made by reacting animal or vegetable fats or oils
with potassium or sodium hydroxide. Soaps often contain coloring matter and
perfume and act by emulsifying grease and lowering the surface tension of water,
so that it more readily penetrates open materials such as textiles.
DETERGENTS
-The word detergent is derived from the Latin adjective detergens, from the
verb detergere, meaning to wipe or polish off. Detergent can be defined as a
surfactant or a mixture of surfactants with cleansing properties when in dilute
solutions.
-a water-soluble cleansing agent which combines with impurities and dirt to
make them more soluble, and differs from soap in not forming a scum with the
salts in hard water.
-any of a group of synthetic, organic, liquid or water-soluble cleaning agents
that, unlike soap, are not prepared from fats and oils, are not inactivated by
hard water, and have wetting-agent and emulsifying-agent properties.
COMPOSITION OF SOAPS
-the basic recipe for soap — it is a reaction between fats and a strong
base. The exact chemical formula is C17H35COO- plus a metal cation,
either Na+ or K+. The final molecule is called sodium stearate and is a
type of salt.
- The process by which soap is made is called saponification.
1. Fats or Oils (Triglycerides)- The primary raw materials for soap
production are fats and oils, which are composed of triglycerides.
Common sources include vegetable oils (such as olive oil, coconut oil,
or palm oil) and animal fats.
2. Alkali (Sodium Hydroxide or Potassium Hydroxide)- An alkali, usually sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) for solid soap or potassium hydroxide (KOH) for liquid soap, is
used in the saponification process. This chemical reaction converts fats and oils
into soap and glycerin.
3. Water- Water is used as a solvent and helps facilitate the saponification
reaction.
4. Glycerin: Glycerin is a byproduct of the saponification process. It is a
humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture, which can be beneficial for
the skin.
5. Additives: Depending on the desired properties of the soap, additional
ingredients may be added. These can include fragrances, colorants, exfoliants,
and other skin-friendly additives.
The saponification process involves breaking down the
triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acids
then react with the alkali to form soap molecules and
glycerin. The resulting soap is effective in cleaning because it
has both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic
(water-repelling) parts, allowing it to interact with both
water and oils.
PROPERTIES OF SOAPS
1. Amphiphilic Nature- Soaps have a dual nature, with one end of the
molecule being hydrophilic (polar or water-loving) and the other
end being hydrophobic (nonpolar or water-repelling). This
amphiphilic nature allows them to interact with both water and
oily substances.
2. Surface Activity- Soaps exhibit surface-active properties, meaning
they can reduce the surface tension of water. This property enables
them to spread across surfaces and break down oily or greasy
substances.
3. Cleaning Action- Soaps are effective cleansers due to their ability to
emulsify and lift away grease, dirt, and oils from surfaces. The hydrophobic
tails of the soap molecules surround and trap the grease, allowing it to be
easily rinsed away with water.
4. Emulsification- Soaps have the ability to form emulsions, which are
stable mixtures of oil and water. The hydrophilic end of the soap molecule
interacts with water, while the hydrophobic end interacts with oil, creating
small droplets of oil dispersed in water.
5. Formation of Micelles- In aqueous solutions, soap molecules can form
structures called micelles. The hydrophobic tails cluster together in the
core, shielding themselves from water, while the hydrophilic heads face
outward, making the micelle water-soluble. This aids in the removal of dirt
and grease.
6. Alkaline Nature- Soaps are generally alkaline substances. They are often
made through the saponification of fats and oils with alkali (such as sodium
hydroxide or potassium hydroxide). The alkaline nature contributes to their
cleaning ability.
7. Biodegradability- Soaps are biodegradable, meaning they can be broken
down by natural processes in the environment. This makes them
environmentally friendly compared to some synthetic detergents that may
persist in the ecosystem.
8. Mildness- Soaps are generally considered mild on the skin. However,
some people may find them drying, especially in hard water conditions,
where soap scum can form.
PREPARATION OF SOAPS
1. Measuring Ingredients- Weigh the fats or oils and alkali according to the
desired soap recipe.
2. Saponification-Mix the fats or oils with the alkali in the presence of
water. This reaction is exothermic, producing soap and glycerol.
- The general chemical equation for saponification is:
Triglyceride + 3 NaOH → Glycerol + 3 Soap Molecules
3. Heating- The mixture is heated to facilitate the saponification process.
The temperature varies depending on the specific fats or oils used.
4. Stirring- Stir the mixture continuously to ensure uniform mixing and
reaction.
5. Testing for Completion- A simple test called the "soapification value" or
"insoluble matter test" can be performed to determine if saponification is
complete.
What is the insoluble test method?
We test insoluble using the centrifuge method. A measured volume of oil is
mixed with a heated solvent, agitated, and spun at high speed. Insoluble
materials collect at the bottom of a tapered glass test tube and can then be
quantified.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRINCIPAL TYPES OF SOAPS
1. Hard Soaps:
Composition: Hard soaps are typically made from sodium salts of fatty acids
derived from animal fats or vegetable oils.
Texture: They are solid and firm at room temperature.
Usage: Commonly used for personal hygiene, such as bathing and
handwashing.
2. Soft Soaps:
Composition: Soft soaps are usually made from potassium salts of fatty acids
and are often derived from vegetable oils.
Texture: They have a semi-solid or liquid consistency at room temperature.
Usage: Soft soaps are often used for cleaning purposes, such as washing
dishes or household surfaces.
3. Transparent Soaps:
Composition: Transparent soaps are made by dissolving soap crystals in
alcohol and then removing the excess water.
Texture: These soaps are clear and have a glass-like appearance.
Usage: Transparent soaps are popular for decorative purposes and may also
be used for personal hygiene.
4. Medicated Soaps:
Composition: Medicated soaps contain additional ingredients such as
antibacterial agents, antifungal compounds, or other therapeutic
substances.
Purpose: These soaps are formulated to address specific skin conditions or
to provide additional health benefits.
5. Glycerin Soaps:
Composition: Glycerin soaps contain glycerin, which is a natural byproduct
of the soap-making process.
Properties: Glycerin helps retain moisture, making these soaps suitable for
individuals with dry or sensitive skin.
Usage: Often used for skincare as they are considered more moisturizing
compared to some other types of soap.
6. Antibacterial Soaps:
Composition: These soaps contain added antibacterial agents such as
triclosan or triclocarban.
Purpose: Marketed for their ability to kill bacteria, these soaps are often
used in environments where extra hygiene is desired.
7. Deodorant Soaps:
Composition: Deodorant soaps contain ingredients that help control body
odor.
Purpose: These soaps are formulated to leave a pleasant scent on the skin
and to reduce or eliminate unpleasant odors.
