Summary
Solubility data are provided and collected for the pure sodium and potassium soaps. Hydrolysis obscures the temperatures of solution but is obviated by the presence of a small excess of alkali. Each sodium soap has a large range of temperature between fair and high solubility, whereas the potassium soaps go abruptly into solution, at almost the same temperature and concentration of each soap.
The only soaps that are even moderately soluble at room temperature are potassium laurate, myristate, and oleate, the potassium salt of acids from coconut oil, and the sodium oleate. The other sodium and potassium soaps of the saturated fatty acids require elevated temperatures for solution.
Phase diagrams for the five commonest potassium soaps are developed and recorded.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Demarcq, M., Inds. corps. gras.,2, 341, 370 (1946);3, 13 (1947); through Abs. Tech. Press No. 786, 369 (1947).
McBain, J. W., and Elford, W. J., J. Chem. Soc.,129, 421 (1926).
McBain, J. W., and Field, M. C., J. Phys. Chem.30, 1545 (1926).
McBain, J. W., and Lee, W. W., Oil & Soap20, 17 (1943).
Vold, R. D., J. Am. Soc.,63, 2920 (1941).
Vold, R.D., and Vold, M. J., J. Phys. Chem.,49, 36 (1945).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This work was the basis of a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, Stanford University, 1947.
About this article
Cite this article
McBain, J.W., Sierichs, W.C. The solubility of sodium and potassium soaps and the phase diagrams of aqueous potassium soaps. J Am Oil Chem Soc 25, 221–225 (1948). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02645899
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02645899