Chapter 19, Problem 84P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reaction of aqueous NaOH with the fat present in the drain needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Lipids are biomolecules that are involved in different biochemical reactions. They are special types of organic molecules which can only be identified with the help of their physical properties, not by the presence of any certain functional group.

Triacylglycerol are most abundant lipids, which are mainly found in animal fat and vegetable oils. The saponification reaction of triacylglycerol is an alkaline hydrolysis of these trimesters that forms sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids (soap) and glycerol as the product. The hydrolysis of triacylglycerol can be done in the presence of an aqueous solution of base like $\text{NaOH or KOH}$.