Question

Identify the standard metal cations in the active components of soaps

Answer 1

The standard metal cations in soap are sodium
`(\( \text{Na}^+ \) or \( \text{Na}^+_2 \))` and potassium
`(\( \text{K}^+ \) or \( \text{K}^+_2 \))`. These ions form soluble salts, contributing to the cleansing properties of soap.

In the context of the active components of soaps, the relevant metal cations are typically sodium
`(\( \text{Na}^+ \) or \( \text{Na}^+_2 \))` and potassium
`\( \text{K}^+ \)` or
`\( \text{K}^+_2 \)`. These cations are commonly found in the form of sodium or potassium salts in soap molecules.

Other metal cations like magnesium
`(\( \text{Mg}^(2+) \) or \( \text{Mg}^+ \))` and calcium
`(\( \text{Ca}^(2+) \) or \( \text{Ca}^+ \))` are generally not preferred for soap formulations because they can react with fatty acids in soap, forming insoluble compounds that reduce the effectiveness of the soap. Therefore, sodium and potassium salts are the standard metal cations in the active components of most soaps.

The complete question is:

Identify the standard metal cations in the active components of soaps. More than one cation can be selected if necessary.

`K^+`

`Mg^+`

`Mg^(2+)`

`Na^+`

`Ca^+`

`Ca_(2+)`

`K^(2+)`

`Na^(2+)`

Answer 2

Answer is: standard metal cations are sodium cation (Na⁺), potassium cation (K⁺), magnesium cation (Mg²⁺) and calcium cation (Ca²⁺).
Soap is a salt of a fatty acid. When soap have sodium and potassim cations, that is toilet soap and when soap have magnesium and calcium cations, that soap is called metallic soap.