What was the first recorded year of soap manufacture in London?
- 1524
- 1600
- 1700
- 1800
Correct Answer: 1524
Correct Answer Explanation: The first recorded instance of soap manufacture in London dates back to 1524, highlighting the early development of the soap industry in England.
What substance is typically added to a solution of soda soap to cause the soap to separate?
- Caustic soda
- Brine
- Glycerine
- Water
Correct Answer: Brine
Correct Answer Explanation: Adding brine (a concentrated solution of salt) to a soda soap solution causes the soap to precipitate out, a phenomenon used in soap-making processes to separate soap from other components.
What is the term for the dark, weak soap residue that settles during soap-making?
- Nigre
- Lye
- Glycerine
- Rosin
Correct Answer: Nigre
Correct Answer Explanation: Nigre is a dark, viscous residue that forms during soap-making, containing leftover soap and impurities. It is typically separated from the main soap product.
What is the primary purpose of adding rosin to soap?
- To increase lathering properties
- To add color
- To provide scent
- To harden the soap
Correct Answer: To increase lathering properties
Correct Answer Explanation: Rosin, a resin extracted from pine trees, is a common additive in soap-making. It enhances lathering properties and creates a softer, more pliable soap texture.
Which of these oils typically has the highest saponification equivalent?
- Olive oil
- Castor oil
- Cottonseed oil
- Palm-nut oil
Correct Answer: Castor oil
Correct Answer Explanation: Castor oil has a significantly higher saponification equivalent compared to the other options, indicating that it requires more alkali to fully saponify. This is due to its unique chemical composition, containing a high percentage of ricinoleic acid.
What process involves grinding and mixing soap to achieve a smooth and homogenous texture?
- Saponification
- Superfatting
- Milling
- Hydrolysis
Correct Answer: Milling
Correct Answer Explanation: Milling is a crucial step in soap-making, particularly for producing high-quality toilet soaps. It involves grinding and mixing the soap base to create a uniform texture and eliminate any lumps or imperfections.
Which of these chemicals is NOT a commonly used saponifying agent in commercial soap production?
- Caustic soda
- Potash
- Sulfuric acid
- Lime
Correct Answer: Sulfuric acid
Correct Answer Explanation: While sulfuric acid can be used in some soap-making processes, it is not a primary saponifying agent for commercial soap production. Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and potash (potassium hydroxide) are the most common alkalis used for saponification.
What is the term for the setting point of fatty acids, a measure of their firmness?
- Saponification equivalent
- Titre
- Acidity
- Unsaponifiable matter
Correct Answer: Titre
Correct Answer Explanation: The titre of fatty acids is a crucial indicator of their firmness or solidity. It is determined by the temperature at which the fatty acids solidify, which impacts the texture and properties of the resulting soap.
What type of soap is typically made from tallow and often includes a small amount of cocoa-nut oil?
- Soft soap
- Cold process soap
- Curd soap
- Milled toilet soap
Correct Answer: Curd soap
Correct Answer Explanation: Curd soap is a hard, traditional soap made primarily from tallow (animal fat) with a small amount of cocoa-nut oil for lathering properties.
Which of these soap types is specifically formulated for removing wool fat and perspiration from raw wool?
- Wool scouring soap
- Floating soap
- Shaving soap
- Calico-printer’s soap
Correct Answer: Wool scouring soap
Correct Answer Explanation: Wool scouring soap is specially designed for cleaning wool fibers, removing natural oils and sweat that can hinder processing. It is typically a neutral olive-oil soft soap, gentle enough for sensitive wool materials.
Who was the scientist whose research on the constitution of fats revolutionized the soap industry?
- Michel Eugène Chevreul
- John Dalton
- Robert Boyle
- Antoine Lavoisier
Correct Answer: Michel Eugène Chevreul
Correct Answer Explanation: Michel Eugène Chevreul, a French chemist, made groundbreaking discoveries in the early 19th century regarding the composition of fats and oils. His research laid the foundation for understanding the saponification process and revolutionized soap-making techniques.
What is the chemical process of converting fats and oils into soap by reacting them with alkali?
- Hydrolysis
- Superfatting
- Saponification
- Milling
Correct Answer: Saponification
Correct Answer Explanation: Saponification is the core chemical reaction in soap-making. It involves the breakdown of fats and oils into fatty acids and glycerol, followed by the reaction of fatty acids with alkali to form soap.
What is the term for components of fats and oils that do not react with alkali to form soap?
- Unsaponifiable matter
- Glycerides
- Fatty acids
- Rosin
Correct Answer: Unsaponifiable matter
Correct Answer Explanation: Unsaponifiable matter refers to components of fats and oils that do not participate in the saponification reaction. These include substances like cholesterol, pigments, and certain vitamins, which remain as residues after soap-making.
What type of soap is typically made by incorporating air bubbles into the soap base, reducing its density so it floats in water?
- Floating soap
- Shaving soap
- Wool scouring soap
- Medicated soap
Correct Answer: Floating soap
Correct Answer Explanation: Floating soap is a common household soap type characterized by its ability to float on water. This is achieved by incorporating air bubbles into the soap base during the manufacturing process, reducing its overall density.
What is the main purpose of “superfatting” soap?
- To increase lathering properties
- To enhance conditioning properties
- To make the soap harder
- To add color
Correct Answer: To enhance conditioning properties
Correct Answer Explanation: Superfatting involves adding extra unsaponified fat to soap after saponification. This creates a more moisturizing and conditioning soap, leaving the skin feeling softer and smoother.
Which of these is NOT a typical characteristic of sodium oleate, a common soap component?
- Soluble in hot water
- Soluble in alcohol
- Readily undergoes hydrolysis in dilute solutions
- Does not undergo hydrolysis except in very dilute solutions at low temperatures
Correct Answer: Readily undergoes hydrolysis in dilute solutions
Correct Answer Explanation: Sodium oleate, a major component of many soaps, is relatively resistant to hydrolysis, especially in dilute solutions at normal temperatures. Hydrolysis tends to occur more significantly at very dilute concentrations and lower temperatures.
Which of these substances is typically used as a catalyst in the enzymatic hydrolysis of fats?
- Caustic soda
- Potash
- Lime
- Twitchell’s reagent
Correct Answer: Lime
Correct Answer Explanation: Lime (calcium oxide) can act as a catalyst in the enzymatic hydrolysis of fats. It promotes the breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol by enzymes present in certain plant materials.
What is the main difference between “cold process soap” and “hot process soap”?
- The temperature at which saponification occurs
- The type of fats used
- The presence of additives
- The method of perfuming
Correct Answer: The temperature at which saponification occurs
Correct Answer Explanation: The main distinction between cold process soap and hot process soap lies in the temperature at which saponification takes place. Cold process soap is made at lower temperatures, relying on the heat generated by the saponification reaction to complete the process. Hot process soap is made at higher temperatures, accelerating the reaction and allowing for faster production.
Which of these is NOT a common natural perfume ingredient used in soap-making?
- Rose oil
- Lavender oil
- Sandalwood oil
- Synthetic musks
Correct Answer: Synthetic musks
Correct Answer Explanation: While rose oil, lavender oil, and sandalwood oil are common natural perfume ingredients used in soap-making, synthetic musks are artificial fragrances created in a laboratory. They are widely used in perfumes and other scented products.
What is the term for the chemical breakdown of a compound by water?
- Saponification
- Hydrolysis
- Superfatting
- Milling
Correct Answer: Hydrolysis
Correct Answer Explanation: Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction involving the breaking down of a compound by the addition of water. This process is relevant to soap-making, as it plays a role in the breakdown of fats and oils during saponification.
What is the term for a compound of glycerol and fatty acids?
- Glyceride
- Fatty acid
- Rosin
- Unsaponifiable matter
Correct Answer: Glyceride
Correct Answer Explanation: Glycerides are the primary constituents of fats and oils. They are composed of glycerol (a three-carbon alcohol) linked to fatty acids.
What is the typical range of strength for commercial caustic soda, expressed in English degrees?
- 10° to 20°
- 30° to 40°
- 60° to 76-77°
- 90° to 100°
Correct Answer: 60° to 76-77°
Correct Answer Explanation: Commercial caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) is typically available in strengths ranging from 60° to 76-77° English degrees. The English degree is a unit of measurement for caustic soda strength, roughly equivalent to 1% sodium oxide.
What is the typical range of potassium carbonate content in refined carbonate of potash, used in soap-making?
- 50-60%
- 70-80%
- 90-92%
- 98-100%
Correct Answer: 90-92%
Correct Answer Explanation: Refined carbonate of potash (potassium carbonate) is a significant ingredient in soap-making, particularly for soft soaps. It typically contains 90-92% potassium carbonate, making it a highly effective saponifying agent.
What is the estimated annual production of soap in the UK during the period when this handbook was published (1908)?
- 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 cwt.
- 5,000,000 to 6,000,000 cwt.
- 7,000,000 to 8,000,000 cwt.
- 10,000,000 to 11,000,000 cwt.
Correct Answer: 7,000,000 to 8,000,000 cwt.
Correct Answer Explanation: Based on the handbook’s data, the UK soap industry produced an estimated 7,000,000 to 8,000,000 cwt (hundredweight) of soap per year in 1908, showcasing the significant scale of soap production during that era.
What is the term for a high-quality soap base made from tallow and cocoa-nut oil, dried and milled to achieve a smooth, homogenous texture?
- Curd soap
- Soft soap
- Cold process soap
- Milled toilet soap
Correct Answer: Milled toilet soap
Correct Answer Explanation: Milled toilet soap is a high-quality soap base, often made from a blend of tallow and cocoa-nut oil. It undergoes a drying and milling process to achieve a smooth, refined texture, making it suitable for high-end toilet soaps.
Which of these is NOT a typical characteristic of fats and oils?
- They are composed of mixtures of triglycerides
- They contain stearin and palmitin, which contribute to their firmness
- They contain olein, which contributes to their softness
- They are readily soluble in cold water
Correct Answer: They are readily soluble in cold water
Correct Answer Explanation: While fats and oils are soluble in hot water and alcohol, they are generally less soluble in cold water. This is due to their composition, consisting primarily of triglycerides, which are not readily soluble in cold water.
What is the term for the addition of unsaponified fat to soap to improve its conditioning properties?
- Superfatting
- Saponification
- Milling
- Hydrolysis
Correct Answer: Superfatting
Correct Answer Explanation: Superfatting is the practice of adding extra unsaponified fat to soap after the saponification process is complete. This enhances the conditioning properties of the soap, leaving the skin feeling softer and smoother.
What is the typical saponification equivalent of American hog’s fat?
- 215.5
- 225
- 286
- 310
Correct Answer: 286
Correct Answer Explanation: The saponification equivalent of American hog’s fat is typically around 286. This value indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of the fat.
Which of these oils is commonly used in the production of soft soap?
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Palm oil
- Tallow
Correct Answer: Olive oil
Correct Answer Explanation: Olive oil is frequently used in the production of soft soap. Its mild properties and high unsaponifiable content contribute to the soap’s softness and conditioning qualities.
What is the typical saponification equivalent of refined cotton-seed oil?
- 215.5
- 225
- 286
- 290
Correct Answer: 290
Correct Answer Explanation: Refined cotton-seed oil typically has a saponification equivalent of 290. This indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of the oil.
Which of these fats or oils is commonly used in the production of curd soap?
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Tallow
- Palm oil
Correct Answer: Tallow
Correct Answer Explanation: Tallow, a rendered animal fat, is a common ingredient in curd soap. Its hardness and rich fatty acid content contribute to the soap’s firm texture and cleaning properties.
Which of these is NOT a common method of saponification?
- Hydrolysis using heat
- Hydrolysis using electricity
- Enzymatic reactions
- Oxidation with oxygen
Correct Answer: Oxidation with oxygen
Correct Answer Explanation: While oxidation plays a role in the aging and degradation of fats and oils, it is not a common method of saponification. The most common methods include hydrolysis using heat or electricity, enzymatic reactions, and chemical reactions with alkalis.
What is the typical range of saponification equivalent for rosin?
- 200 to 250
- 250 to 300
- 312.3 to 330.5
- 350 to 400
Correct Answer: 312.3 to 330.5
Correct Answer Explanation: Rosin, a resin extracted from pine trees, has a varying saponification equivalent, typically ranging from 312.3 to 330.5. This indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of rosin.
What is the term for the conversion of unsaturated fatty acids into isomeric acids with higher melting points?
- Saponification
- Hydrolysis
- Elaidin reaction
- Superfatting
Correct Answer: Elaidin reaction
Correct Answer Explanation: The elaidin reaction involves the conversion of unsaturated fatty acids, typically found in liquid oils, into isomeric acids with higher melting points. This process is sometimes used in soap-making to adjust the consistency of the resulting soap.
Which of these is NOT a typical characteristic of soap?
- Soluble in both alcohol and hot water
- More soluble in cold water than hot water
- Emulsifying power contributes to its detergent action
- It can be separated by adding brine or caustic soda to a solution
Correct Answer: More soluble in cold water than hot water
Correct Answer Explanation: While soap is soluble in alcohol and hot water, it is actually less soluble in cold water due to hydrolysis, the breakdown of the soap molecules. Adding brine or caustic soda to a soap solution can cause the soap to precipitate out, a phenomenon used in soap-making processes.
Which of these is a common type of soap used for cleaning cotton fabrics?
- Wool scouring soap
- Shaving soap
- Cotton industry soap
- Calico-printer’s soap
Correct Answer: Cotton industry soap
Correct Answer Explanation: Cotton industry soap is a specific type of soap designed for cleaning cotton fabrics. It is typically a curd soap made from tallow with a small amount of cocoa-nut oil, suitable for removing dirt and impurities from cotton fibers.
What is the term for the aromatic oils extracted from plants, often used as perfumes?
- Synthetic perfumes
- Essential oils
- Unsaponifiable matter
- Fatty acids
Correct Answer: Essential oils
Correct Answer Explanation: Essential oils are aromatic oils extracted from plants, commonly used for their fragrance in soaps, perfumes, and other products. They provide natural, often complex scents.
Which of these is NOT a common application of glycerine?
- A humectant in cosmetics
- A solvent in pharmaceuticals
- A component of explosives
- A flavoring agent in food
Correct Answer: A component of explosives
Correct Answer Explanation: Glycerine is a versatile compound with applications in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food. While it can be used as a component of some explosives, it is more commonly used for its moisturizing, solvent, and sweetening properties.
Where did the practice of soap-making originate?
- Rome
- Germany
- Gaul
- Egypt
Correct Answer: Gaul
Correct Answer Explanation: Soap-making is believed to have originated in Gaul (ancient France). The Gauls, a Celtic people, were known for their soap-making practices, which they introduced to Rome.
What type of soap is typically used for cleansing printed cloth and fixing colors?
- Calico-printer’s soap
- Wool scouring soap
- Cotton industry soap
- Shaving soap
Correct Answer: Calico-printer’s soap
Correct Answer Explanation: Calico-printer’s soap is a specific type of soap used in the textile industry for cleansing printed fabrics and fixing dyes. It is typically a neutral olive-oil soap, gentle enough to avoid damaging delicate prints.
Which of these fats or oils is known for its high content of olein, contributing to its softness?
- Tallow
- Coconut oil
- Palm oil
- Olive oil
Correct Answer: Olive oil
Correct Answer Explanation: Olive oil is known for its high content of olein, a liquid triglyceride that contributes to its softness and fluidity. This makes olive oil a suitable ingredient for creating softer, more conditioning soaps.
What is the term for the chemical reaction involving the breakdown of fats and oils into fatty acids and glycerol?
- Saponification
- Hydrolysis
- Superfatting
- Milling
Correct Answer: Hydrolysis
Correct Answer Explanation: Hydrolysis is the chemical breakdown of a compound by the addition of water. In soap-making, hydrolysis plays a crucial role in breaking down fats and oils into fatty acids and glycerol, which then react with alkali to form soap.
What is the typical saponification equivalent of pale seal oil?
- 215.5
- 225
- 286
- 289
Correct Answer: 289
Correct Answer Explanation: Pale seal oil typically has a saponification equivalent of 289. This value indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of the oil.
Which of these is a typical characteristic of the lower fatty acids?
- They are solid at room temperature
- They are less soluble in water than the higher fatty acids
- They are more soluble in water and distil without decomposition
- They readily combine with bromine or iodine
Correct Answer: They are more soluble in water and distil without decomposition
Correct Answer Explanation: The lower fatty acids, such as acetic acid and propionic acid, are more soluble in water than the higher fatty acids. They also tend to distil without decomposition, a property that distinguishes them from the higher fatty acids.
Which of these is a common type of soap used for shaving?
- Floating soap
- Shaving soap
- Wool scouring soap
- Cotton industry soap
Correct Answer: Shaving soap
Correct Answer Explanation: Shaving soap is specifically formulated for shaving, producing a rich, creamy lather that helps soften the beard and provides a smooth shaving experience. It is typically a blend of soda and potash soaps, designed for its lathering and lubricating properties.
What is the typical saponification equivalent of pale bone fat?
- 215.5
- 225
- 286
- 289
Correct Answer: 289
Correct Answer Explanation: Pale bone fat typically has a saponification equivalent of 289. This value indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of the fat.
Which of these is a common type of soap used for treating skin conditions?
- Floating soap
- Shaving soap
- Wool scouring soap
- Medicated soap
Correct Answer: Medicated soap
Correct Answer Explanation: Medicated soap is formulated with specific drugs or chemicals to treat certain skin conditions. Examples include carbolic soap (containing phenol), coal tar soap, and sulfur soap, which are used for their antiseptic or anti-inflammatory properties.
What is the typical saponification equivalent of arachis oil (peanut oil)?
- 215.5
- 225
- 285
- 290
Correct Answer: 285
Correct Answer Explanation: Arachis oil (peanut oil) typically has a saponification equivalent of 285. This value indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of the oil.
Which of these is a common method of hydrolysis used in soap-making?
- Using heat
- Using electricity
- Using enzymes
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Hydrolysis, the breakdown of fats and oils into fatty acids and glycerol, can be achieved using various methods, including heat, electricity, and enzymes. These methods are commonly employed in soap-making to facilitate the saponification process.
What is the typical saponification equivalent of maize oil (corn oil)?
- 215.5
- 225
- 286
- 294
Correct Answer: 294
Correct Answer Explanation: Maize oil (corn oil) typically has a saponification equivalent of 294. This value indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of the oil.
Which of these is a common type of soap used for cleaning wool fibers?
- Wool scouring soap
- Shaving soap
- Cotton industry soap
- Calico-printer’s soap
Correct Answer: Wool scouring soap
Correct Answer Explanation: Wool scouring soap is specifically designed for cleaning wool fibers, removing natural oils and sweat that can hinder processing. It is typically a neutral olive-oil soft soap, gentle enough for sensitive wool materials.
What is the typical saponification equivalent of sesame oil?
- 215.5
- 225
- 286
- 295
Correct Answer: 295
Correct Answer Explanation: Sesame oil typically has a saponification equivalent of 295. This value indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of the oil.
What is the typical saponification equivalent of linseed oil?
- 215.5
- 225
- 286
- 292
Correct Answer: 292
Correct Answer Explanation: Linseed oil typically has a saponification equivalent of 292. This value indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of the oil.
What is the typical saponification equivalent of South American mutton tallow?
- 215.5
- 225
- 284.5
- 290
Correct Answer: 284.5
Correct Answer Explanation: South American mutton tallow typically has a saponification equivalent of 284.5. This value indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of the fat.
What is the typical saponification equivalent of Cochin cocoa-nut oil?
- 215.5
- 225
- 286
- 290
Correct Answer: 215.5
Correct Answer Explanation: Cochin cocoa-nut oil typically has a saponification equivalent of 215.5. This value indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of the oil.
What is the typical saponification equivalent of palm-nut oil?
- 215.5
- 225
- 286
- 290
Correct Answer: 225
Correct Answer Explanation: Palm-nut oil typically has a saponification equivalent of 225. This value indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of the oil.
What is the typical saponification equivalent of olive oil?
- 215.5
- 225
- 286
- 288
Correct Answer: 288
Correct Answer Explanation: Olive oil typically has a saponification equivalent of 288. This value indicates the amount of alkali required to fully saponify 1 gram of the oil.