Liquid black soap is made by boiling palm oil with liquid extract of ash. The function of the ash is to provide the?

A. Acid
B. Ester of alkanoic acid
C. Alkali
C. Alkanol

Correct Answer:

Option C – Alkali

Explanation

Lye is a metal hydroxide traditionally obtained by leaching wood ashes, or a strong alkali that is highly soluble in water producing caustic basic solutions / an alkaline solution that is used to make soaps. “Lye” most commonly refers to sodium hydroxide (NaOH), but historically has been used for potassium hydroxide (KOH).