Question

Soaps are prepared by treating the esters of fatty acid with alkali. Sometimes common salt is also added to it. Why is common salt added during this process?

Answer 1

In the reaction of esters with alkali to prepare soap (saponification reaction), the product (soap) is obtained in a suspension form. To precipitate the soap out of the suspension form, common salt (NaCl) is added to it. This process is often referred to as “salting out” of soap.