Question

What is the chemical formula of soap?

Answer 1

The chemical formula of soap

1. The chemical formula of soap is generally written as${\mathrm{RCOO}}^{-}{\mathrm{Na}}^{+}$, where $\mathrm{R}$ is any long-chain alkyl group consisting of 12 to 18 carbon atoms.
2. Some common examples of fatty acids that are used in soaps are stearic acid and palmitic acid.
3. Stearic acid has the chemical formula of ${\mathrm{C}}_{17}{\mathrm{H}}_{35}\mathrm{COOH},$
4. Palmitic acid has the chemical formula ${\mathrm{C}}_{15}{\mathrm{H}}_{31}\mathrm{COOH}.$