My error. However, saponification is commonly used to refer to the reaction of a metallic alkali (base) such as sodium or potassium hydroxide with a fat or oil to form soap. Household bleach acts by oxidizing. Hydrolysis of fats and oils does is generally considered saponification, not oxidation. Rich Stevens http://mysite.verizon.net/rstevens15 Photo Trend Enterprises- A Restaurant Service Company In spite of the cost of living, it's still popular. - Dr. Laurence J. Peter (1919-1988) -----Original Message----- From: owner-chile-heads@globalgarden.com [mailto:owner-chile-heads@globalgarden.com] On Behalf Of chilehead@tough-love.com Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2008 12:41 PM To: Rich Stevens Cc: chile-heads@globalgarden.com Subject: [CH] Re: the bleach cure The PH of vinegar (acidic) is 2.8, distilled water (neutral) is 7.0 and bleach is 12.6. If that ain't alkaline I'd be lyeing. Household lye is 13.6 and battery (sulfuric) acid is 0.3. The scale goes from 14 (alkaline) to 0 (acidic). Dave TLCC