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JAMB Chemistry 1995 Question 46

Question 46

Fats, Oils and Soaps

The role of sodium chloride in the preparation of soap is to

  1. A.purify the soap
  2. B.separate the soap from glycerol
  3. C.accelerate the decomposition of the fat or oil
  4. D.react with glycerol
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (separate the soap from glycerol)

Explanation

Adding salt ('salting out') makes the soap less soluble, so it floats out as a solid. The glycerol stays dissolved in the salty water.