Soaps are prepared by the alkaline hydrolysis of

Options

A. sulhuric acid
B. higher esters
C. aldehydes
D. fatty acids

Answer

To answer the question "Soaps are prepared by the alkaline hydrolysis of," we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Process of Soap Making
Soaps are made through a chemical reaction known as saponification, which involves the alkaline hydrolysis of fats or oils.

**Hint:** Research the basic concept of saponification and its role in soap production.

### Step 2: Identify the Reactants
The primary reactants in the production of soap are triglycerides, which are esters derived from glycerol and fatty acids. When triglycerides react with an alkali (like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide), they undergo hydrolysis.

**Hint:** Recall what triglycerides are and their structure to understand why they are used in soap making.

### Step 3: Recognize the Role of Alkaline Hydrolysis
Alkaline hydrolysis involves the reaction of triglycerides with an alkali. This reaction breaks down the ester bonds in triglycerides, resulting in the formation of glycerol and long-chain fatty acid salts, which are the soap.

**Hint:** Consider the definition of hydrolysis and how it applies to esters.

### Step 4: Conclude the Type of Compounds Involved
Since soaps are the sodium or potassium salts of long-chain fatty acids, we conclude that soaps are prepared by the alkaline hydrolysis of esters, specifically triglycerides.

**Hint:** Think about the relationship between esters and the products formed during saponification.

### Final Answer
Soaps are prepared by the alkaline hydrolysis of **esters** (specifically triglycerides).