Saponify is a chemical process involving the hydrolysis of an ester, typically a fat or oil, under basic conditions to produce a soap and glycerol. This reaction breaks down the ester bonds, creating a salt of a fatty acid (the soap) and releasing glycerol. The alkali (e.g., sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) provides the hydroxide ions needed to drive the reaction. The process is widely used in soap making, with different oils and bases yielding soaps with varying properties. The resulting soap molecules possess both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, enabling them to emulsify grease and dirt in water.
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