The alkaline hydrolysis of oils and fats is called _________.

• Soap is prepared by heating oil or fat of vegetable or animal origin with concentrated Sodium hydroxide solution (caustic soda solution).
• Hydrolysis of fat takes place and a mixture of the sodium salt of fatty acids and glycerol is formed.
• Since the salt of fatty acids thus formed is used as soap so alkaline hydrolysis of oils and fats is commonly known as saponification.
• The reaction is used commercially to make soap, lubricants, and fire extinguishers.
• The saponification reaction is exothermic in nature because heat is liberated during the process.

Hence, the alkaline hydrolysis of oils and fats is called saponification.