Concerning the saponification process, which statement is true?
A. The polar end of a soap molecule dissolves in oil.
B. The nonpolar end of a soap molecule dissolves in both oil and water.
C. Detergents with branched chains are biodegradable.
D. Organic molecules that have polar and nonpolar properties are called detergents
To determine which statement is true concerning the saponification process, it is necessary to understand the saponification process itself.
Saponification is a chemical reaction that converts a fat or oil into soap and glycerol. It involves the reaction of a triglyceride (fat or oil) with a strong base, usually sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
Let's evaluate each statement to find out which one is true:
A. The polar end of a soap molecule dissolves in oil.
In the saponification process, a soap molecule is formed by the reaction between a fatty acid (from the fat or oil) and a base. Soap molecules generally have both polar and nonpolar ends. The polar end, also known as the hydrophilic end, is attracted to water, while the nonpolar end, also known as the hydrophobic end, is attracted to fats and oils. So, statement A is incorrect because the polar end of a soap molecule does not dissolve in oil.
B. The nonpolar end of a soap molecule dissolves in both oil and water.
Statement B is correct. The nonpolar end of a soap molecule dissolves in both oil and water. This property of soap molecules allows them to act as surfactants that can remove dirt and grime by dissolving in both oil and water, facilitating the removal of oily substances from surfaces.
C. Detergents with branched chains are biodegradable.
The biodegradability of detergents generally depends on their chemical structure and composition. While it is true that detergents with branched chains can be biodegradable, it is not universally applicable for all detergents with branched chains. Therefore, statement C is not necessarily true.
D. Organic molecules that have polar and nonpolar properties are called detergents.
Statement D is correct. Organic molecules that possess both polar and nonpolar properties are called detergents. These molecules have a structure that allows them to dissolve in both oil and water, making them effective for cleaning purposes.
In conclusion, the correct answer is:
B. The nonpolar end of a soap molecule dissolves in both oil and water.