Name: ________________________________________________ Date: ___________

Lab partner: ______________________________________ Instructor: ______________

Intermolecular Forces: Synthesis and Properties of Soaps

Data Sheet

Preparation of Soap

How many layers were there? Why?

 

 

 

 

Were there any odors coming off soap solution as you were preparing it? What is a likely identity of this odor?

 

 

 

 

 

Properties

pH

 

Indicator color

pH

Solution

Blue litmus

Red litmus

(basic or acidic)

Your soap

     

Commercial soap

     

Commercial detergent

     

 

Cleaning properties:

Solution Observations
Your soap  
Commercial soap  
Commercial detergent  
D.I. water  

 

Reactions in Acidic Water:

Contents Initial Observations Observations after 5 minutes
Your soap    
Commercial soap    
Commercial detergent    
Distilled water    

Behavior in Hard Water (Record your observations below.)

Solution

Hard Water

Distilled water

Your soap Initial
After 5 min
Commercial soap Initial
After 5 min
Commercial detergent Initial
After 5 min

Phosphate test:

Solution

Observations

Phosphates present?
Your soap    
Commercial soap    
Commercial detergent    
Deionized water

 

Post lab questions:

1. Based upon your observations of solubilities and washing ability and information from your textbook, explain briefly the mechanism of the washing action of soaps and detergents.

 

 

 

 

2. Do your observations of the effect of hard water on soaps and detergents suggest an advantage to detergents?

 

 

 

3. Phosphates in cleaning products have largely been banned because of negative effects on the environment. What are some of the negative effects of using phosphates in detergents?

 

 

 

4. Acidic solutions will decrease the ability of a soap to clean because the hydronium ions from the acid will block part of the soap molecules. To which end of the soap molecule will H3O+ ions be attracted? Draw a picture if necessary.