Question

Soaps are prepared by chemical treating of _________ by strong alkaline solutions.

(a) Oils and salts

(b) Oils and fats

(c) Salts and fats

(d) Fats and proteins

I have been asked this question during a job interview.

My question is based upon Classification of Lubricants in chapter Lubricants of Applied Chemistry

Answer 1

The correct answer is (b) Oils and fats

The explanation is: Soaps are made up of the chemical treatment of the oils and fats by strong alkaline solution. The soap molecule is the long non-polar tail which is hydrophobic end and the other is salt polar end which is the hydrophilic end.