ANS:C - tallow

The fatty material used in soap making is tallow. Tallow is a fatty material used in soap making, derived primarily from the fat of cattle or sheep. Here’s a detailed explanation:

What is Tallow?

• Source: Tallow is obtained from rendering animal fats, specifically from the abdominal area of animals like cows (beef tallow) and sheep (mutton tallow).
• Composition: It consists mainly of triglycerides, which are esters formed from glycerol and fatty acids. Tallow contains a mix of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

Role in Soap Making:

1. Saponification: In soap production, tallow undergoes a chemical reaction called saponification, where it reacts with an alkali (usually sodium hydroxide) to produce soap and glycerin. The fatty acids from tallow are key to this process.
2. Properties of Soap: Soaps made from tallow tend to be hard and have a stable lather. The saturated fatty acids contribute to the firmness, while unsaturated fatty acids enhance solubility.

Advantages of Using Tallow:

• Availability: Tallow is readily available and often used in traditional soap-making processes.
• Mildness: Soaps made from tallow are generally mild on the skin, making them suitable for personal care products.
• Stability: Tallow-based soaps have good shelf stability and are less prone to rancidity compared to those made from liquid oils.

Summary: