Question

Define soaps.

Answer 1

Soaps: Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of long-chain fatty acids. They are manufactured by the saponification of oils and fats.

Saponification is the process in which sodium hydroxide reacts with oils or fats and breaks them down to form salts of respective fatty acids. Soaps are generally prepared as solid cakes. Perfumes and colours are added to soaps before casting and drying them into cakes.