Chapter 23, Problem 72A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The structure of the soap sodium palmitate should be drawn. The polar and non-polar ends should be labeled.

Concept introduction:

Soaps are potassium or sodium fatty acids which are obtained by the hydrolysis of fats in a chemical reaction. This reaction is known as saponification.

Explanation of Solution

Palmitate is a conjugate base (ability to gain protons) of sixteen carbon saturated (no double bond) fatty acids is known as palmitic acid.

Sodium Palmitate is an organic compound known as long chain fatty acids. The building blocks of fat in our bodies and in food are known as fatty acids. Fatty acid consists of carboxylic acid with long aliphatic chain which can be saturated or unsaturated.

The structure of soap sodium palmitate is: