Chapter 20, Problem 20.54P

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

Assuming the triglycerides react completely with ${\text{HO}}^{\text{-}}$, products for the given reaction are to be predicted.

Concept introduction:

Triglycerides have three ester groups; an ester group has electrophilic carbon acting as the electron poor site. In $\text{KOH}$, ${\text{HO}}^{\text{-}}$ acts as a nucleophile, the electron rich site. Esters undergo base-catalyzed hydrolysis with $\text{KOH}$.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The complete, detailed mechanism leading to form the products in the given reaction is to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

Triglycerides have three ester groups; an ester group has electrophilic carbon acting as the electron poor site. In $\text{KOH}$, ${\text{HO}}^{\text{-}}$ acts as a nucleophile, the electron rich site. Esters undergo base-catalyzed hydrolysis with $\text{KOH}$.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

How products of the given reaction can serve as soap is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Soaps and detergents are long-chain molecules that are ionic on one end and highly nonpolar on the other. Soaps have one end of the molecular species very hydrophilic and the other end very hydrophobic.