Saponification is the chemical reaction where olive oil and sodium hydroxide mix to create soap and glycerol. This ancient process has evolved to modern methods using high pressure and temperature, resulting in various types of soaps with added fragrances and colors.
When olive oil and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) are mixed, a chemical reaction known as saponification occurs, resulting in the production of soap and glycerol. The process of saponification involves the hydrolysis of triglycerides, which are the main components of olive oil, in the presence of a strong base like sodium hydroxide. This reaction breaks down the triglyceride into glycerol and fatty acid salts (the soap).
The history of soap making can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with the earliest recorded evidence from ancient Babylon around 2800 BC. Later, the Phoenicians and Romans also produced soap by treating animal fats with wood ash. Large-scale soap production began in the 1700s, using animal fats like lard or tallow with an alkali. In modern times, the saponification process has been refined and now often involves using water under high pressure and temperature, combined with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide.
Soaps are essentially the sodium salts of fatty acids and may come in various forms, with sodium stearate being one common type. Perfumes, dyes, and other additives can be incorporated into the soap formulation to enhance its properties and appeal.