Structure of a micelle, a cell-like structure formed by the aggregation of soap subunits (such as sodium stearate): The exterior of the micelle is hydrophilic (attracted to water) and the interior is lipophilic (attracted to oils). Anything that is soluble will be washed away with the water.

The insoluble oil/fat molecules become associated inside micelles, tiny spheres formed from soap molecules with polar hydrophilic (water-attracting) groups on the outside and encasing a lipophilic (fat-attracting) pocket, which shields the oil/fat molecules from the water making it soluble.

When used for cleaning, soap solubilizes particles and grime, which can then be separated from the article being cleaned. In a domestic setting, 'soap' usually refers to what is technically called a toilet soap, used for household and personal cleaning. Most metal soaps are prepared by neutralization of purified fatty acids:Ģ RCO 2 H + CaO → (RCO 2) 2 Ca + H 2O Toilet soaps Metal soaps are also included in modern artists' oil paints formulations as a rheology modifier. In ancient times, lubricating greases were made by the addition of lime to olive oil. Such soaps are also used as thickeners to increase the viscosity of oils. Many other metallic soaps are also useful, including those of aluminium, sodium, and mixtures thereof. Greases are usually emulsions of calcium soap or lithium soap and mineral oil. Soaps are key components of most lubricating greases and thickeners. Unlike detergents, when used in hard water soap does not lather well and a scum of stearate, a common ingredient in soap, forms as an insoluble precipitate. A cation from an organic base such as ammonium can be used instead of a metal ammonium nonanoate is an ammonium-based soap that is used as an herbicide. When M is Li, the result is lithium soap (e.g., lithium stearate), which is used in high-performance greases. Many metal dications ( Mg 2+, Ca 2+, and others) give metallic soap. When M is Na or K, the soaps are called toilet soaps, used for handwashing.

The major classification of soaps is determined by the identity of M n+. Since they are salts of fatty acids, soaps have the general formula ( RCO 2 −) nM n+ (Where R is an alkyl, M is a metal and n is the charge of the cation). Evidence exists of the production of soap-like materials in around 2800 BC in ancient Babylon.Ī collection of decorative bar soaps, as often found in hotels Soap is created by mixing fats and oils with a base, as opposed to detergent which is created by combining chemical compounds in a mixer. It also emulsifies oils, enabling them to be carried away by running water. In hand washing, as a surfactant, when lathered with a little water, soap kills microorganisms by disorganizing their membrane lipid bilayer and denaturing their proteins. In industrial settings, soaps are used as thickeners, components of some lubricants, and precursors to catalysts. In a domestic setting, soaps are surfactants usually used for washing, bathing, and other types of housekeeping. Soap is a salt of a fatty acid used in a variety of cleansing and lubricating products. Greases for automotive applications contain soaps.

Detergent Soap Making Formula Pdf