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Many chemical compounds are related to each other by their structural features, the way they are made and how they are used - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 5 - 2018
Question 5
Many chemical compounds are related to each other by their structural features, the way they are made and how they are used. Using your knowledge of chemistry, desc... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Many chemical compounds are related to each other by their structural features, the way they are made and how they are used - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 5 - 2018
Step 1
Describe the relationships between fats and oils
Answer
Fats and oils are both lipids, and they are primarily composed of triglycerides, which consist of glycerol and fatty acids. Fats are typically solid at room temperature and often derive from animal sources, while oils are liquid and usually come from plants. The structural differences in the fatty acids (saturated in fats and unsaturated in oils) determine their state at room temperature.
Step 2
Describe the relationships between soaps and detergents
Answer
Soaps and detergents are both surfactants, used to clean and emulsify substances. Soaps are made from natural fats or oils through the process of saponification, which creates long hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails. Detergents, meanwhile, are synthetic compounds that can often be tailored for specific cleaning properties and may work better in hard water.
Step 3
Describe the relationships between emulsifiers and the other compounds
Answer
Emulsifiers are agents that help stabilize emulsions, which are mixtures of two immiscible liquids, like oil and water. Soaps can act as emulsifiers due to their amphiphilic nature, allowing them to help disperse fats and oils in water. Similarly, some detergents also have emulsifying properties, making them effective in cleaning oily or greasy substances. Overall, the relationships between these compounds highlight their roles in chemistry related to solubility and dispersion.