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The name of the reaction that occurs when a fat reacts with sodium hydroxide and water is ________.

User Diogenes
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The reaction between a fat (or oil) and sodium hydroxide in the presence of water is known as saponification. During saponification, the ester bonds in the fat molecules are hydrolyzed (split by water) in the presence of the strong base sodium hydroxide, resulting in the formation of glycerol and the sodium salts of fatty acids, which are commonly known as soaps. This process is used in the production of soaps and detergents.

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