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Chemistry · Glossary

What is Saponification?

Definition 24.8 University Chemistry — Year 2 · Chapter 24 — Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

A saponification is the hydrolysis of an ester by a hydroxide, giving the carboxylate salt and the alcohol.

Saponification of a triglyceride: the three ester bonds are cut, giving glycerol and three molecules of the sodium carboxylate, the soap (R a long chain, C17H33 for the oleate of olive oil).
Saponification of a triglyceride: the three ester bonds are cut, giving glycerol and three molecules of the sodium carboxylate, the soap (R a long chain, CX17HX33\ce{C17H33} for the oleate of olive oil).
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