Laboratory Activity: Lipids - Saponification

NAME: Armas, Esraela

Coquilla, Grace

Ngo, Harvey

Pader, Darryl GROUP: 3

SECTION: CHEM123 LAB SUMMER DATE: June 29, 2021

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Sheila Mai Rocabo

Materials:

 Graduating cylinders  Glass/Stirring rod

 Beakers [250mL]  Funnel
 Common salt  Filter paper
 Coconut oil [25mL]  Wire gauze
 20% NaOH solution [30 mL]  Tripod
 Bunsen burner  Clamp stand

Procedure:

1. Measure 25mL coconut oil into a graduated cylinder then pour the oil in a glass beaker.
2. Take another graduated cylinder and measure 30mL 20% NaOH solution in it. Pour it into the
beaker containing the coconut oil. Stir the mixture vigorously using a stirring rod.
3. Touch the beaker from outside. Observe the temperature of the beaker.
4. Place the beaker on a Bunsen burner and heat it until the mixture becomes a whitish paste.
5. Remove the beaker from the flame and allow it to cool.
6. Dip a red litmus paper in the suspension. Observe and record the result.
7. Dip a blue litmus paper in the suspension. Observe and record the result.
8. Add 15g of common salt into the suspension then stir it using a glass/stirring rod.
9. Take a filter paper, place it in a funnel, and hold a glass/stirring rod over the funnel.
10. Take the beaker containing the soap solution and pour it on the filter paper.
11. Remove the soap from the funnel using a spatula and place it on a new filter paper.
12. Dry the soap by pressing it with another filter paper. Soap is prepared

Open Educational Resource:

Saponification: The Process of Making Soap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmQV3Qs9Qzk

Saponification: The Process of Making Soap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu_sWoHULtY
Write the following results of the emulsion test for different liquid and solid samples. A positive
emulsion test indicates the presence of lipids.

Study Questions:

1. Explain Saponification

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2. What are the precautions that should be observed during the experiment for making soap?

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye, is a necessary component in the soap-making process.
A lye solution is formed when sodium hydroxide beads or flakes are mixed with a liquid. When this
solution is combined with fats and oils, a chemical reaction known as saponification occurs. Sodium
hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are both classified as forms of “lye” are caustic chemicals that can
cause chemical burns if not handled properly. When making soap we need to make sure that we
follow the listed safety precautions when working with either of these chemicals in a soap making
process:
1. Always wear eye protection (goggles) and rubber gloves. Clothing should consist of long sleeve
shirt, long pants and socks and shoes.

2. Avoid touching NaOH solutions with bare hands as it may burn the skin.

3. The mixture of oil and alkaline should be stir torridly.

4. It is necessary to stir the soap solution after adding common salt to it, in order to precipitate out
the soap in a solid form.

5. Avoid breathing the dust released and fumes created when adding eithersodium hydroxide or
potassium hydroxide to water. We need to make sure that we well always work in a well-ventilated
area.

6. Do not use aluminum pans, utensils, or foil with soap recipes that require the use of sodium
hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, since these chemicals will react with aluminum. Stainless steel is
the container or holding vessel of choice when using either of these caustic chemicals in a soap
making process.