Q. 15.36 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Use condensed structural formulas to write the balanced chemical equation for the $\mathrm{NaOH}$ saponification of glyceryl trioleate (triolein).

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The balanced chemical equation for glyceryl trioleate $\mathrm{NaOH}$saponification is:

Step1: Introduction.

Fats, waxes, sterols, triglycerides, and other naturally occurring molecules are examples of lipids. 

Step2: Given Information.

Write the balanced chemical equation for the $\mathrm{NaOH}$ saponification of glyceryl trioleate using condensed structural formulas (triolein).  

Step3: Explanation.

When fatty acids are heated in the presence of a strong base, such as $\mathrm{NaOH},$ they produce glycerol and the sodium salt of the fatty acid, which is soap. This is known as the saponification reaction.

The balanced chemical equation for glyceryl trioleate $\mathrm{NaOH}$ saponification is: