- #1
- 1,346
- 8
I have noticed that (sodium hydroxide) NaOH solution and also bleach (active ingredient: sodium hypochlorite), soap and oils are all slippery to the touch.. Why is that so? What propertie do they share that allow them to behave this way?
Ya, I was going to say, it could be due to the NaOH (or more specifically, the OH- ?) reacting with the oils/fats in your skin making a thin layer of soap which gives it the slippery texture.Cesium said:NaOH basically turns some of your skin cells into soap through a saponification reaction. I'm not sure about other bases though.
Soap gets its slippery properties from its ability to reduce surface tension of water. This allows it to form a layer between the skin and water, making it easier to wash away dirt and oils.
Oil and soap both have hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties, which allows them to easily slide over surfaces. This is why they both feel slippery and can be used to lubricate surfaces.
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a key ingredient in soap-making because it reacts with fats and oils to create soap molecules. These soap molecules have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, making them effective at reducing surface tension and creating a slippery feel.
No, bleach does not have the same slippery properties as soap and oil. Bleach is a strong chemical that is used for disinfecting and stain removal, but it does not have the same lubricating properties as soap and oil.
To reduce the slipperiness of soap or oil, you can add substances that absorb or counteract their lubricating properties. For example, cornstarch can be added to oil to make it less slippery, and salt can be added to soap to decrease its slip. However, keep in mind that these additions may also affect the effectiveness of the soap or oil for its intended purpose.