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JAMB Chemistry 1987 Question 46

Question 46

Fats, Oils and Soaps

Local black soap is made by boiling palm oil with liquid extract of ash. The function of the ash is to provide the

  1. A.acid
  2. B.ester of alkanoic acid
  3. C.alkali
  4. D.alkanol
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (alkali)

Explanation

Wood ash contains potassium carbonate and hydroxide, an alkali. The alkali saponifies the fat (palm oil) to form soap.