Question:

The compound X can be separated from spent-lye in soap industry by using distillation under reduced pressure. What is X?

Show Hint

Glycerol is an important by-product of soap industry and is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and explosives.
Updated On: Jun 18, 2026
  • \(CH_3CH_2OH\)
  • \(CH_2(OH)CH_2(OH)\)
  • \(HOCH_2CH(OH)CH_2OH\)
  • \(HOCH_2(CHOH)_2CH_2OH\)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: During soap manufacture, glycerol remains dissolved in the aqueous layer known as spent-lye. It is recovered by distillation under reduced pressure.

Step 1:
Recall the by-product of soap manufacture.
Soap is produced by saponification of fats and oils. \[ \text{Fat/Oil} + NaOH \rightarrow \text{Soap} + \text{Glycerol} \]

Step 2:
Identify glycerol.
The structure of glycerol is \[ HOCH_2CH(OH)CH_2OH \] It is also called propane-1,2,3-triol.

Step 3:
Select the correct option.
Among the given compounds, \[ HOCH_2CH(OH)CH_2OH \] represents glycerol. \[ \boxed{\text{Option (C)}} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0