Which one of the following substances is most likely to be used as soap? A. CH3(CH2)12COOCH3 B. CH3(CH2)5O(CH2)5CH3 C. CH3(CH2)12COONa D. CH3(CH2)12CHCl2

CH3(CH2)12COOCH3
CH3(CH2)5O(CH2)5CH3
CH3(CH2)12COONa
CH3(CH2)12CHCl2

The correct answer is C. CH3(CH2)12COONa.

Soap is a salt of a long-chain fatty acid. The most common type of soap is sodium stearate, which is made from stearic acid and sodium hydroxide. Stearic acid is a long-chain fatty acid with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)16COOH. Sodium hydroxide is a base with the chemical formula NaOH. When stearic acid and sodium hydroxide are combined, they react to form sodium stearate and water. Sodium stearate is the soap, and it is what gives soap its cleansing properties.

The other options are not soaps. Option A, CH3(CH2)12COOCH3, is a triglyceride. Triglycerides are fats and oils that are made up of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule. Option B, CH3(CH2)5O(CH2)5CH3, is a polyoxyethylene stearate. Polyoxyethylene stearates are surfactants, which are substances that lower the surface tension of water. Option D, CH3(CH2)12CHCl2, is a 1-chlorododecane. 1-Chlorododecanes are chlorinated hydrocarbons that are used as solvents and degreasers.

In conclusion, the correct answer is C. CH3(CH2)12COONa.