Saponification reaction induction kit and soap manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a saponification reaction initiating kit formed into a kit so as to easily initiate a saponification reaction and complete the saponification reaction in a short time, so that it can be used as a teaching material in learning the saponification reaction, for example.SOLUTION: The saponification reaction initiating kit comprises: a first sealed container sealing a mixed solution of an aqueous alkali solution and an amphiphilic solvent having compatibility with the aqueous alkali solution and liquid oil and fat; a second sealed container sealing the liquid oil and fat; and an action unit applying an action to the first sealed container and the second sealed container so that the mixed solution and the liquid oil and fat can communicate with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a saponification reaction induction kit that starts a saponification reaction by mixing through the addition of an action. The present invention also relates to a method for producing soap that can easily, inexpensively, and quickly produce soap having characteristics gentle to the skin and hair.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, soap has been produced by either (1) a saponification method in which fats and oils, which are compounds of fatty acids and glycerin, are saponified with an aqueous solution of a strong alkali (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide), or (2) a neutralization method in which fatty acids produced by hydrolyzing fats and oils under acidic conditions are neutralized with an aqueous solution of a strong alkali. Generally, among soaps, solid soap is a sodium salt of a fatty acid reacted with sodium hydroxide, is relatively soluble in water, and becomes powdered soap when made into powder. Liquid soap in a liquid or emulsion state is a potassium salt of a fatty acid reacted with potassium hydroxide and has a property of being more soluble in water than the sodium salt. Both types of soap dissolve in water and exhibit detergency as a surfactant. (1) Saponification method

[0003] The saponification method is a method in which a viscous liquid fat and oil and a strong alkali sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide are heated and dissolved in water at around 130°C for about several hours, and then the aqueous solution is aged at room temperature for 30 to 45 days. Due to the fact that the fat and oil component of the raw material itself is large and the water molecules in the internal phase and the hydrophilic component of the surfactant generated in the external phase are strongly bonded, the product is obtained as a W / O type emulsion in which water evaporation is relatively difficult, and thus a long aging period of 30 to 45 days is required until it can be used as solid soap or liquid soap.

Table 1

[0004] Soap produced by the saponification method contains glycerin and unsaponifiable substances naturally present in the oils and fats used as soap raw materials (usually natural oils). Glycerin is a skin moisturizing ingredient commonly used in cosmetics, and the unsaponifiable substances include squalene and vitamins A, B, or E, which are known as skincare substances. Therefore, soap produced by the saponification method is gentle on the skin and hair due to the presence of glycerin and unsaponifiable substances. (2) Neutralization method

[0005] The neutralization method involves heating and dissolving powdered solid fatty acids and a strong alkali, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, in water at around 90°C for several hours, and then allowing it to cool. Because the neutralization method yields a relatively easily evaporated O / W (oil-in-water) emulsion, the product can be used as solid or liquid soap within 1-2 days. [Table 2]

[0006] The advantage of the neutralization method is that, since only fatty acids extracted from oils and fats are used, impurities and highly irritating fatty acids that could cause irritation can be excluded from the start of saponification. Furthermore, the proportions of these fatty acids can be easily adjusted, resulting in the stable production of safe soap without free alkali, which can irritate the skin. However, because fatty acids extracted from oils and fats do not contain glycerin, the moisturizing effect after washing will be reduced unless moisturizing ingredients are added.

[0007] It is known that alcohol is used for the purpose of manufacturing transparent solid soap. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for manufacturing transparent solid soap by heating and mixing a large amount of ethyl alcohol to obtain a transparent solution, fatty acid soap obtained by neutralizing or saponifying fatty acids or oils with caustic alkali, alkanolamines or basic amino acids, and further sugars such as sucrose, polyhydric alcohols such as sorbitol, glycerin, and propylene glycol, as well as dyes and fragrances, etc., dissolving them transparently, pouring the mixture into a predetermined mold, cutting and molding it after cooling and solidifying, and then undergoing a maturation process in which volatile components such as ethyl alcohol in the molded product are volatilized until the desired weight is reached. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-180381 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, while the neutralization method has the advantage of being able to produce solid or liquid soap quickly, within 1-2 days, the raw material fatty acids themselves are in solid powder form, resulting in relatively high raw material costs. Furthermore, it requires a heating process at around 90°C, and when including the initial costs associated with this process, the manufacturing cost is inevitably higher than that of the saponification method.

[0010] On the other hand, while the saponification method has the advantage of producing soap that is gentle on the skin and hair, as well as having low raw material costs, it has the same problems as the neutralization method in that it requires a heating process at around 130°C for several hours, and moreover, it has the problem of being too time-consuming, requiring a long maturation period of 30 to 45 days before it can be used as solid or liquid soap.

[0011] Therefore, there were no applications that required the saponification reaction to be easily induced and completed in a short time, such as educational materials for learning the saponification reaction.

[0012] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a saponification reaction induction kit that can easily induce a saponification reaction and complete the saponification reaction in a short time, so that it can be used, for example, as teaching material for learning about saponification reactions.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing soap that has properties that are gentle on the skin and hair, and that can be produced easily, inexpensively, and quickly. Means for solving the problem and effects of the invention

[0014] In view of these circumstances, the inventors diligently conducted research seeking a method for easily, inexpensively, and quickly producing solid or liquid soaps that are gentle on the skin and hair. As a result, they discovered that when liquid oils and fats, a strong alkaline aqueous solution, and an amphiphilic solvent compatible with both are mixed in a predetermined ratio, the mixture can solidify in a short period of time (within 3 hours) without a heating process, thus completing the present invention.

[0015] A saponification reaction induction kit according to a first aspect of the present invention may include a first sealed container for sealing a mixed solution of an alkaline aqueous solution and an amphiphilic solvent compatible with the alkaline aqueous solution and the liquid oil, a second sealed container for sealing the liquid oil, and an action unit for acting on the first sealed container and the second sealed container so that the mixed solution and the liquid oil are in communication. With this configuration, a saponification reaction induction kit can be provided that induces a saponification reaction that solidifies within 3 hours under non-heating conditions.

[0016] Furthermore, a saponification reaction induction kit according to a second aspect of the present invention may include a third sealed container for sealing an alkaline aqueous solution, a fourth sealed container for sealing a liquid oil, and a fifth sealed container for sealing an amphiphilic solvent compatible with the alkaline aqueous solution and the liquid oil. With this configuration, a saponification reaction induction kit can be provided that induces a saponification reaction that solidifies within 3 hours under non-heating conditions.

[0017] Furthermore, a saponification reaction induction kit according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a package containing at least two of the following: a liquid oil and fat, an alkaline aqueous solution, an amphiphilic solvent compatible with the liquid oil and fat and the alkaline aqueous solution, and a container for mixing the liquid oil and fat and the alkaline aqueous solution and the amphiphilic solvent in a required weight ratio. The kit is configured to induce a saponification reaction that solidifies within 3 hours under no heating conditions by using at least two of the containers for mixing the liquid oil and fat and the alkaline aqueous solution and the amphiphilic solvent contained in the package in a required weight ratio. This configuration provides a saponification reaction induction kit that induces a saponification reaction that solidifies within 3 hours under no heating conditions.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the saponification reaction induction kit according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the alkaline aqueous solution is an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and the liquid oil, sodium hydroxide, water, and amphiphilic solvent can be mixed in a weight ratio of liquid oil:sodium hydroxide:water:amphiphilic solvent = 5.5~7.2:1.0:1.0~1.3:0.5~2.0.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the saponification reaction induction kit according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the alkaline aqueous solution is an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, and the liquid oil, potassium hydroxide, water, and amphiphilic solvent can be mixed in a weight ratio of liquid oil:potassium hydroxide:water:amphiphilic solvent = 3.9~5.1:1.0:1.0:1.0.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the method for producing soap according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a liquid oil and fat, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and an amphiphilic solvent compatible with the liquid oil and fat and the aqueous sodium hydroxide solution are mixed at a required weight ratio so as to be completely solidified within 3 hours without heating, and the liquid oil and fat and sodium hydroxide are subjected to a saponification reaction. The amphiphilic solvent can be configured not to contain alcohols having a molecular structure similar to glycerin.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the method for producing soap according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the weight ratio can be configured such that liquid oil and fat:sodium hydroxide:water:amphiphilic solvent = 5.5 to 7.2:1.0:1.0 to 1.3:0.5 to 2.0.

[0022] With the above configuration, the mixture of the liquid oil and fat, the aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and the amphiphilic solvent in the above weight ratio becomes a viscous paste state from a liquid state in about 10 minutes while accompanying a rapid temperature rise of 80°C or higher due to the heat of reaction and the evaporation of moisture and volatile components, and can be solidified in about 2 hours. The obtained solid is made into powder with a mixer, and by compressing this, solid soap can be obtained.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the observation results of the progress of experiment (A) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the observation results of the progress of experiment (C) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the observation results of the progress of experiment (D) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the observation results of the progress of experiment (E) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the observation results of the progress of experiment (F) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the observation results of the progress of experiment (H) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the observation results of the progress of experiment (L) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the results of the observation of experiment (M) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the results of the observation of experiment (P) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows the results of the observation of experiment (Q) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows the results of the observation of the experiment (R) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows the results of the observation of experiment (a) according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows the gas chromatograph of glycerin, which is the result of experiment (a) according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows the results of the gas chromatograph mass spectrometry of experiment (a) according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram of the gas chromatograph of liquid oil. [Figure 15] This figure shows the results of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of experiment (a) according to the second embodiment, specifically the gas chromatography of soap. [Figure 16] This figure shows the results of the observation of the experiment (S) according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] This figure shows the results of the observation of experiment (X) according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] This figure shows the results of the observation of experiment (Y) according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] This figure shows the observation results of experiment (Z) according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] This figure shows the results of the observation of the experiment (1) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] This figure shows the results of the observation of experiment (2) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] This figure shows the results of the observation of experiment (3) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] This figure shows the results of the observation of the experiment (4) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24]This figure shows the results of the observation of experiment (5) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25] This figure shows the results of the observation of experiment (6) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] This figure shows the results of the observation of experiment (7) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] This figure shows the results of the observation of the experiment (8) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] This figure shows the results of the observation of the experiment (9) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] This figure shows the results of the observation of the experiment (10) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 30] This figure shows the results of the observation of the experiment (11) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 31] This figure shows the results of the observation of the experiment (12) according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on preferred examples, but are not limited thereto. (First Embodiment)

[0025] The first embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing solid soap by saponification, in which, under non-heating conditions, liquid oil and fat, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and an amphiphilic solvent compatible with the liquid oil and fat and the aqueous sodium hydroxide solution are mixed in a weight ratio of liquid oil and fat:sodium hydroxide:water:amphiphilic solvent = 5.0~7.5:0.7~2.0:0.7~2.0:0.2~2.0 to cause a saponification reaction between the liquid oil and fat and sodium hydroxide, the resulting solid is turned into a powder using a mixer, and then compressed to produce the soap. (liquid oil)

[0026] Examples of liquid fats and oils used in the present invention include vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, corn oil, olive oil, avocado oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, jojoba seed oil, neem oil, and palm kernel oil, as well as animal oils such as horse oil. Concentrated sulfuric acid may be added to the liquid fat or oil to produce a sulfate ester, thereby exhibiting surfactant properties and promoting the saponification reaction. The same applies to the second and third embodiments. (Amphiphilic solvent)

[0027] Furthermore, examples of amphiphilic solvents used in the present invention include alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol (IPA), as well as glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol (PG), butylene glycol (BG), and dipropylene glycol (DPG). Mixing a compatible amphiphilic solvent with liquid oil and sodium hydroxide aqueous solution increases the contact cross-sectional area between the oil and sodium hydroxide, thereby increasing the saponification reaction rate. In the first embodiment, dipropylene glycol (DPG) is used. The same applies to the second embodiment. (Sodium hydroxide solution)

[0028] Sodium hydroxide is a solid, for example, in the form of granules or flakes, and is used as an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution by dissolving it in water. Although sodium hydroxide generates a large amount of heat when dissolved in water (heat of dissolution: 44.5 kJ / mol), the amount of heat is not enough to eliminate the need for a heating step in general saponification methods. This heat of dissolution may be temporarily used to accelerate the saponification reaction in the manufacturing method according to the first embodiment. The same applies to the third embodiment. (Saponification reaction)

[0029] According to the manufacturing method of the first embodiment of the present invention, a mixture of liquid oil and fat, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and dipropylene glycol is stirred without heating, and in a short time (about 10 minutes), the temperature rises rapidly to 80°C or higher due to the heat of reaction, and water and volatile components evaporate, accelerating solidification from a liquid state to a viscous paste state. After about 2 hours, as the temperature decreases to room temperature, it loses its fluidity and solidifies.

[0030] This is achieved by adding amphiphilic dipropylene glycol, which reacts with liquid oils and fats by reacting with hydroxide ions (OH) as the reactive species. - It is thought that when the substance comes into contact with a high concentration of other substances, a certain transition state (reaction intermediate) is formed, causing it to solidify in a short time. (Verification experiment regarding the first embodiment)

[0031] Using the component formulations shown in Table 3, predetermined amounts of sodium hydroxide and water were added to a 1-liter stainless steel container. A sodium hydroxide aqueous solution was prepared by stirring at room temperature. Next, a predetermined amount of liquid oil was added, and finally, an amphiphilic solvent (reaction accelerator) was added. The saponification reaction was carried out at room temperature while stirring, and the state of the resulting product was observed.

[0032] Detailed experimental conditions and results are shown in Table 3 and Figures 1 to 11. The product solidification completion time is defined as the time from the completion of raw material preparation until the internal temperature of the product decreases to room temperature, at 4.9 MPa (4 cm). 2 This was defined as the time it took for the shape to remain virtually unchanged even when pressed with a pressure of 50 kgf per unit area. [Table 3] (Second embodiment)

[0033] A method for producing liquid soap according to a second embodiment of the present invention is a soap production method by saponification, in which a liquid oil and fat, an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, and an amphiphilic solvent compatible with the liquid oil and fat and the aqueous potassium hydroxide solution are mixed under non-heating conditions in a weight ratio of liquid oil and fat:potassium hydroxide:water:amphiphilic solvent = 3.5~5.4:0.7~2.0:0.7~2.0:0.2~2.0, the liquid oil and fat and potassium hydroxide are saponified, and the resulting paste is diluted with 5 to 10 times its volume of water to produce the soap. This production method may also be used as a method for producing O / W type cream by mixing the resulting paste with a higher alcohol such as molten cetanol or stearyl alcohol and diluting it with water. (Potassium hydroxide solution)

[0034] Potassium hydroxide is a hard, brittle, white solid that is dissolved in water to be used as an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. Potassium hydroxide generates a large amount of heat when dissolved in water (heat of dissolution: 57.6 kJ / mol), but this amount of heat is not enough to eliminate the need for a heating step in general saponification methods. This heat of dissolution may be temporarily utilized to accelerate the saponification reaction in the manufacturing method according to the second embodiment. (Saponification reaction)

[0035] According to the manufacturing method of the second embodiment of the present invention, a mixture of liquid oil, potassium hydroxide aqueous solution, and dipropylene glycol is stirred without heating, and in about 10 minutes, it loses its fluidity and becomes a highly viscous paste, accompanied by a rapid temperature rise of 80°C or more due to the heat of reaction and evaporation of water and volatile components.

[0036] This is achieved by adding amphiphilic dipropylene glycol, which reacts with liquid oils and fats by reacting with hydroxide ions (OH) as the reactive species. -It is thought that when potassium hydroxide comes into contact with a high concentration of sodium hydroxide, a certain transition state (reaction intermediate) is formed, causing it to paste rapidly. Since potassium hydroxide has a larger molecular weight than sodium hydroxide, when handled by the same weight, the number of molecules is smaller, so when saponifying oils and fats, it is necessary to add 0.4 times more potassium hydroxide than sodium hydroxide. Furthermore, as will be described later, the formation of fatty acid esters and glycerin was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. (Verification experiment regarding the second embodiment)

[0037] Using the component formulations shown in Table 4, predetermined amounts of potassium hydroxide and water were added to a 1-liter stainless steel container. A potassium hydroxide aqueous solution was prepared by stirring at room temperature. Next, a predetermined amount of liquid oil was added, and finally, an amphiphilic solvent (reaction accelerator) was added. The saponification reaction was carried out at room temperature while stirring, and the state of the resulting product was observed.

[0038] Detailed experimental conditions and results are shown in Table 4 and Figure 12. [Table 4] (Quantitative analysis of glycerin by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry)

[0039] Using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation at the Ehime Prefectural Paper Industry Technology Center, the amount of glycerin produced as a by-product in the paste-like product (A) according to the second embodiment was measured by the single-point quantitative curve method. The quantitative analysis results are shown in Table 5 and Figures 13 to 15. [Table 5]

[0040] These results indicate that the raw materials contained 1.42% glycerin, and therefore the glycerin content in product (A) obtained by the actual saponification reaction was 14.77% - 1.42% = 13.35%. This value approximates the glycerin content of 9% to 12% from the theoretical value of the saponification reaction equation using oils and fats (triglycerides). Furthermore, the gas chromatogram of 2.56 g / l soap showed characteristic peaks derived from fatty acids around 10 min (peak numbers 1-4), suggesting that the saponification reaction was completed and sufficient potassium fatty acid salts (surfactants) were obtained. (Third embodiment)

[0041] A third embodiment of the present invention provides a method for producing solid soap by saponification, in which, under non-heating conditions, liquid oil and fat, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and an amphiphilic solvent containing at least one of sorbitol, starch, and carbomer that is compatible with the liquid oil and fat and the aqueous sodium hydroxide solution are mixed in a weight ratio of liquid oil and fat:sodium hydroxide:water:amphiphilic solvent = 5.0~7.5:0.7~2.0:0.7~2.0:1ppm~2.0, causing a saponification reaction between the liquid oil and fat and sodium hydroxide, the resulting paste is placed in a mold and gradually solidified, thereby producing solid soap without going through a mixing and compression step. (Amphiphilic solvent)

[0042] Furthermore, examples of amphiphilic solvents used in the third embodiment of the present invention include sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and water-soluble polymer compounds such as starch and carbomer. Mixing a compatible amphiphilic solvent with liquid oil and sodium hydroxide aqueous solution increases the microscopic contact cross-sectional area between the liquid oil and sodium hydroxide, thereby increasing the saponification reaction rate. (Saponification reaction)

[0043] The manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention assumes that the saponification reaction is completed in a short time, and that the resulting solid is powdered in a mixer and then compressed in a mixing and compression step. In contrast, by slowing the reaction rate compared to the saponification reaction in the first embodiment and controlling the saponification reaction so that the mixture under saponification remains in a paste state with a viscosity suitable for molding during the molding step in the conventional cold process method, solid soap can be manufactured in a short time even in the conventional cold process method which involves a molding step, an unmolding step, and a curing step.

[0044] According to the manufacturing method of the third embodiment of the present invention, a mixture of liquid oil and fat, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and a water-soluble sugar alcohol such as sorbitol or a water-soluble polymer compound such as carboxypolymer or starch is stirred without heating, and gradually solidifies over 6 to 10 hours, with a gradual temperature rise of around 50°C due to the heat of reaction, from a liquid state to a viscous paste state. Therefore, during the molding process, the mixture under saponification can maintain a paste state with a viscosity suitable for molding.

[0045] This is thought to be because, when water-soluble sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, or water-soluble polymer compounds such as carboxypolymers or starch are added to liquid oil and sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, unreacted water molecules are adsorbed onto these water-soluble polymer compounds during the saponification reaction. This prevents the formation of a water-free (W / O) emulsion, which is resistant to water evaporation, and instead makes the water more prone to evaporation. (Verification experiment regarding the third embodiment)

[0046] Using the component formulations shown in Table 6, predetermined amounts of sodium hydroxide and water were added to a 1-liter stainless steel container. A sodium hydroxide aqueous solution was prepared by stirring at room temperature. Then, a predetermined amount of liquid oil was added, followed by the addition of an amphiphilic solvent (reaction accelerator). The saponification reaction was carried out at room temperature while stirring, and the state of the resulting product was observed.

[0047] Detailed experimental conditions and results are shown in Table 6 and Figures 16-19. [Table 6] (Fourth embodiment)

[0048] Verification experiments relating to the third embodiment revealed that when water-soluble sugar alcohols such as sorbitol or water-soluble polymer compounds such as carboxypolymers or starch were selected as the amphiphilic solvent, solidification did not occur within 3 hours. To further understand the reason for this, the following verification experiments were conducted.

[0049] Using the component formulations shown in Table 7, predetermined amounts of sodium hydroxide and water were added to a 1-liter stainless steel container. A sodium hydroxide aqueous solution was prepared by stirring at room temperature. Then, a predetermined amount of liquid oil was added, followed by the addition of an amphiphilic solvent (reaction accelerator). The saponification reaction was carried out at room temperature while stirring, and the state of the resulting product was observed.

[0050] Detailed experimental conditions and results are shown in Table 7 and Figures 20 to 31. [Table 7] (Considerations regarding amphiphilic solvents)

[0051] The amphiphilic solvents in Table 7 have the molecular structure shown in Chemical Formula 1 and can be classified into the following three types [1] to [3] based on their similarity in molecular structure to glycerol (see symbol No. (12) in Table 7), which is produced as a by-product in the saponification reaction. [ka] Glycerin [1] Glycerol-like solvent

[0052] The amphiphilic solvents classified in this category are solvents having a chemical structure in which glycerol molecules are bonded side by side in parallel. These include sorbitol (see symbol No. (11) in Table 7) with the molecular structure shown in Chemical Formula 2 below, and D-mannitol (see symbol No. (10) in Table 7) with the molecular structure shown in Chemical Formula 3. According to the experimental results shown in Table 7, when amphiphilic solvents classified in this category were used, the temperature rise was less than 20°C, and no rapid increase in viscosity occurred. [ka] Sorbitol [ka] D-mannitol [2] Glycerol partially similar structure solvent

[0053] The amphiphilic solvents classified in this category are solvents whose entire molecule has the same structure as a part of the glycerol molecule. These include propylene glycol with the molecular structure of Formula 4 (see symbol No. (1) in Table 7), propanediol with the molecular structure of Formula 5 (see symbol No. (2) in Table 7), methanol with the molecular structure of Formula 6 (see symbol No. (3) in Table 7), ethanol with the molecular structure of Formula 7 (see symbol No. (4) in Table 7), and ethylene glycol with the molecular structure of Formula 8 (see symbol No. (6) in Table 7). According to the experimental results shown in Table 7, when amphiphilic solvents classified in this category were used, the temperature rise was between 20°C and 50°C, and a rapid increase in viscosity was observed. [ka] Propylene glycol [ka] Propanediol [ka] methanol [ka] ethanol [ka] Ethylene glycol [3] Glycerol non-similar structure solvent

[0054] The amphiphilic solvents classified in this category are solvents whose entire molecule has a completely different structure from that of the glycerol molecule. These include 1,3-butylene glycol with the molecular structure of Formula 9 (see symbol No. (5) in Table 7), phenethyl alcohol with the molecular structure of Formula 10 (see symbol No. (7) in Table 7), pentylene glycol with the molecular structure of Formula 11 (see symbol No. (8) in Table 7), phenoxyethanol with the molecular structure of Formula 12 (see symbol No. (9) in Table 7), and DPG with the molecular structure of Formula 13 (see symbol No. (A) in Table 7). According to the experimental results shown in Table 7, when amphiphilic solvents classified in this category were used, the temperature rise was 50°C or higher and a rapid increase in viscosity was observed, except for phenethyl alcohol and phenoxyethanol, which have aromatic rings. [ka] 1,3-Butylene glycol [ka] Phenethyl alcohol [ka] Pentylene glycol [ka] Phenoxyethanol [ka] DPG

[0055] In this case, given the low temperature rise observed for phenethyl alcohol and phenoxyethanol, and considering that they share a common ethanol portion in their molecular structure, it is presumed that their action as solvents with a structure similar to the glycerin portion in [2] was the more dominant contributing factor.

[0056] Next, based on the experimental results shown in Table 7, the effects of various solvents as reaction accelerators can be considered as follows.

[0057] Generally, hydrolysis reactions of esters such as oils and fats using strong alkalis (sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide), such as saponification reactions, proceed irreversibly towards the formation of starting alcohols or glycerin and carboxylates, unlike in the presence of an acid catalyst. However, it has been found that when a small amount of a solvent [3] with a different molecular structure from the by-product glycerin is added to this reaction system, the contact efficiency of the reaction system increases, and a stable reaction intermediate is rapidly formed due to the stabilizing effect of the solvent intermediate, such as hydration, thus allowing the saponification reaction to proceed rapidly.

[0058] However, the by-product glycerol itself exists as an independent stabilizer in the reaction system (independent stabilization of the by-product). Therefore, even when solvent [1] with a molecular structure similar to the by-product glycerol is added, it does not exhibit the same solvent-like behavior as solvents [2] and [3], and as a result, the saponification reaction is thought to have been delayed.

[0059] Furthermore, the delay of approximately 10-20 minutes in the start of the saponification reaction with propylene glycol and propanediol in solvent [2] is thought to be due to the independent stabilizing effect of the by-products of the glycerin solvent. In addition, ethylene glycol in solvent [2] has a structure in which only the hydroxymethyl group (-CH2OH group) of the glycerin structure is missing, and is the closest to the glycerin structure among the solvents [2], so it is thought to have exhibited a similar effect to solvent [1]. On the other hand, propylene glycol and propanediol lack one hydroxyl group (-OH group) that determines the water solubility characteristic of glycerin, so they act as a different, more hydrophobic molecule, and as a result, they are thought to have exhibited a similar effect to solvent [3].

[0060] Similarly, with respect to the solvents [2] methanol and ethanol, since methanol molecules can form a glycerol molecule by linking together three molecules, methanol is closer in molecular structure to glycerol, and as a result, it exhibits effects similar to solvent [1]. On the other hand, ethanol's molecular structure is not similar to that of glycerol, and as a result, it exhibits effects similar to solvent [3].

[0061] Based on the above results and considerations, the method of accelerating the saponification reaction of animal and vegetable-derived oils and fats with a highly concentrated strong alkali (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) aqueous solution by adding a small amount of solvent such as solvent [2] and [3] as a reaction accelerator can be applied to the production of various anionic surfactants.

[0062] For example, by saponifying a highly concentrated aqueous solution of a strong alkali with coconut oil using DPG solvent, a semi-solid mass can be easily obtained. By adding an equal amount of water to this mass and stirring, a creamy surfactant can be produced.

[0063] The solidified mass formed from the aforementioned semi-solid mass is a coarse soap that lathers well. To further enhance the lathering, 20-30 wt% of granulated sugar (a non-electrolyte) is added to the total mass during the saponification reaction. Furthermore, to increase the hardness of the mass, 10-20 wt% of potato starch (a polysaccharide that also acts as a binder) is added to the total mass. This allows for the production of a highly practical solid soap.

[0064] Furthermore, by adding a weakly acidic aqueous solution such as lactic acid or hydrochloric acid to the saponified product obtained with sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, fatty acids and acidic glycerol can be separated, allowing for the rapid production of fatty acids derived from oils and fats. (Fifth embodiment)

[0065] According to the first embodiment, by mixing liquid oil and fat with a highly concentrated strong alkaline aqueous solution and an amphiphilic solvent, the reaction rate can be significantly increased compared to the conventional saponification method (cold process method) used to produce solid soap, allowing for rapid production of solid soap. The inventors considered that this principle of producing solid soap in such a short time could be applied to educational materials.

[0066] The teaching material according to the fifth embodiment comprises a glass ampoule (corresponding to, for example, the "first sealed container" in the claims) containing a mixed solution A of a highly concentrated strong alkaline aqueous solution and a small amount of an amphiphilic solvent (e.g., dipropylene glycol), and a polyethylene cylinder (corresponding to, for example, the "second sealed container" in the claims) in which the ampoule is sealed together with the required amount of liquid oil B. In a principle similar to that of commercially available chemical lights, the two liquids are mixed and the saponification reaction is initiated by bending the cylinder and breaking the ampoule inside (corresponding to, for example, the "working part" in the claims).

[0067] This teaching material allows students to experience how two liquids mix, rapidly increasing in viscosity with a sharp rise in temperature, and how solid soap can be produced in a short time. They can also learn that increasing the number of microscopic collisions between liquids, or between a liquid and a solid solution, is effective in causing a reaction, and that dissolving each in a high concentration in an amphiphilic solvent is the optimal method for achieving this. The fourth embodiment is not limited to the teaching material of the above embodiment or its use as a teaching material, and includes a kit in which mixed solution A and liquid oil B are sealed separately, and which mixes and initiates a saponification reaction when some action is applied. (Sixth Embodiment)

[0068] The teaching material according to the sixth embodiment comprises a glass ampoule containing a high-concentration strong alkaline aqueous solution C (corresponding to, for example, the "third sealed container" in the claims), a glass ampoule containing a small amount of amphiphilic solvent D (e.g., dipropylene glycol) (corresponding to, for example, the "fifth sealed container" in the claims), and a polyethylene cylinder in which these ampoules are sealed together with the required amount of liquid oil B (corresponding to, for example, the "fourth sealed container" in the claims). In a principle similar to that of commercially available chemical lights, the three liquids are mixed and the saponification reaction begins by bending the cylinder and breaking the two ampoules inside (corresponding to, for example, the "working part" in the claims). (Seventh Embodiment)

[0069] The teaching material according to the seventh embodiment includes at least two of the following in a package (kit): liquid oil B, a highly concentrated strong alkaline aqueous solution C, a small amount of amphiphilic solvent D, and a container for mixing liquid oil B, strong alkaline aqueous solution C, and amphiphilic solvent D in the required weight ratio. For example, in this embodiment, the strong alkaline aqueous solution C is prepared by the teacher before the experiment in front of the students, or prepared in front of the students, and the liquid oil B, amphiphilic solvent D, and a container for mixing liquid oil B, strong alkaline aqueous solution C, and amphiphilic solvent D in the required weight ratio are packaged together as a kit. Since the highly concentrated strong alkaline aqueous solution C is a hazardous substance, the kit can be sold by removing the strong alkaline aqueous solution C from the set. The kit may also include items other than liquid oil B and amphiphilic solvent D, such as colorants for coloring the soap, potato starch to make the soap firmer, and sugar to improve the lathering of the solidified soap.

Claims

1. A saponification reaction induction kit comprising at least a liquid oil, an alkaline aqueous solution, and an amphiphilic solvent compatible with the liquid oil and the alkaline aqueous solution, wherein the liquid oil and the alkaline aqueous solution are housed in separate containers and provided as a single package, The aforementioned liquid oil is rapeseed oil or coconut oil. The aforementioned alkaline aqueous solution is an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. The amphiphilic solvent is at least one of dipropylene glycol, propanediol, 1,3-butylene glycol, or pentylene glycol. The liquid oil, sodium hydroxide, water, and the amphiphilic solvent are contained in a weighed state, with each component being measured in a weight ratio of liquid oil:sodium hydroxide:water:amphiphilic solvent = 5.5-7.2:1.0:1.0-1.3:0.5-2.

0. A saponification reaction induction kit characterized in that the saponification reaction solidifies within 3 hours under non-heating conditions.

2. A saponification reaction induction kit according to claim 1, A saponification reaction induction kit characterized in that the amphiphilic solvent is dipropylene glycol.

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