Why is a saturated sodium chloride solution needed for saponification?

Question

I.E why is it needed for the precipitation of soap?

Answer 1

Soap is less soluble in salt water.

Answer 2

the answer that soap is less soluble in brine(sodium chloride), is correct.  soap is essentially a sodium salt of fatty acid. these sodium salts(i.e NaStearate, NaOleate) are less soluble than a strong electrolyte sodium chloride.so brine is added after saponification  to precipitate the soap by common ion effect.Sodium being the common ion.

Answer 3

To make soap manufacturers start with fats, and sodium hyroxide or another alkalai. Water and heat are used in the processing. According to soap-making terminology, the alkalai is used to saponify the fats. But I think it better reflects reality to say that the 2 substances, the fats, and the alkalai, interact with each other, with the result of their interaction being soap and glycerine. The fats that soap manufacturers use can come from plants or animals. Sodium hydroxide is usually a byproduct in the production of chlorine from salt