Assume the following: canola oil has 6% saturated fats and 94% unsaturated fats; corn oil has 13% saturated fats and 87% unsaturated fats; and coconut oil has 91% saturated fats and 9% unsaturated fats. Describe the relationship between the consistency of each soap sample and the saturation of oil.

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Chemistry

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12 May, 06:39

Assume the following: canola oil has 6% saturated fats and 94% unsaturated fats; corn oil has 13% saturated fats and 87% unsaturated fats; and coconut oil has 91% saturated fats and 9% unsaturated fats. Describe the relationship between the consistency of each soap sample and the saturation of oil.

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Annora · Answer 1

The consistency of the soap will depend on the degree of unsaturation

(especially the cis double bonds) in its fatty acids. A soap derived from fats will be more solid due to easier packing in a solid crystal lattice. A soap derived from oils will be more liquid, since they are derived from folded unsaturated fatty acids.