The Effect of Soap as an Emulsifier

Industrial Chemistry > 5. Saponification is an important organic industrial process > The Effect of Soap as an Emulsifier >

Perform a first hand investigation to demonstrate the effect of soap as an emulsifier

Experiment: Determination of the effect of soap as an emulsifier

Objective: To demonstrate the effect of soap as an emulsifier

Materials, Glassware and Equipment:

• 2 x 250-mL large conical flasks
• Vegetable oil
• Distilled water
• Commercial soap

Methodology:

1. Transfer about 50 mL distilled water to a large conical flask (Flask 1).
2. Add about 50 mL vegetable oil to flask, shake and record the observation
3. Obtain another conical flask (Flask 2) and add about 50 mL distilled water.
4. Pour out 50 mL vegetable oil into the flask.
5. Add 4-5 drops of liquid soap/detergent or a few flakes of solid soap.
6. Shake and record the observation

Results/Observations:

Conclusion:                                                                                                               

• A cloudy layer of tiny oil droplets was observed upon addition of soap or detergent in the water + oil mixture, indicating that emulsion has occurred and that soap as an effective emulsifier