Final answer:
The preparation of soaps involves basic hydrolysis (saponification) of a triacylglycerol, with the correct answer being option b) Hydrolysis. This process forms the metal salts of fatty acids, which are the cleaning agents in soap.
Step-by-step explanation:
Soaps are metal salts of fatty acids prepared by basic hydrolysis (saponification) of a triacylglycerol (often from tallow, coconut oil, or both) using water under high pressure and temperature. The correct answer is b) Hydrolysis. Saponification involves reacting triglycerides with a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, which converts the fatty acids into their sodium or potassium salts known as soap molecules - and glycerol. This process is integral to soapmaking, transforming fats into the soap we use for cleaning. The hydrophobic tails of the soap molecules are attracted to oils and greases, while the hydrophilic heads are attracted to water, which makes soap an excellent cleaning agent as it can emulsify lipids, fats, and oils in water, allowing them to be washed away.