Saponification - Soap Making (Small Scale)

Understand how soaps are made from fats and bases through the organic chemistry process of ester hydrolysis.

What you need

• Coconut oil or any vegetable oil (2-3 tablespoons)
• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution or drain cleaner (handle with gloves and caution)
• Water
• Heat source (double boiler or hot plate)
• Old spoon
• Small disposable container or mold
• Optional: fragrance or food color

How it works

This is the process of saponification, where fats react with alkalis to form soap and glycerol. It is a fundamental example of organic chemical reactions involving esters and bases.