devarshi-dt-logo

Question:

For preparing soap in the laboratory, we require an oil and a base. Which of the following combinations of an oil and a base would be best suited for the preparation of soap?

Castor oil and sodium hydroxide

Mustard oil and calcium hydroxide

Castor oil and calcium hydroxide

Turpentine oil and sodium hydroxide

Solution:

Castor oil in soaps contributes to fluffy, stable lather, conditioning, moisturizing, quicker trace, and softer soap. Turpentine oil is for medicinal purposes, and mustard oil is used for cooking. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base soluble in water. However, calcium hydroxide is not preferred as it forms scum. Hence, castor oil and sodium hydroxide are best suited for soap.