RE: [CH] Re: the bleach cure
Riley J. McIntire (Riley@ChileGarden.com)
Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:09:29 -0700
For the record, Rich Stevens [rstevens15@verizon.net] did write, on
Thursday, October 02, 2008 5:20 PM:
> 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.
Both correct. However, one needs to understand that bleach is manufactured
by bubbling chorine gas through a solution of sodium hydroxide (soda lye) in
water. Forms a solution of sodium hypochlorite (the oxidizer) in aqueous lye
(the hydroxide). The lye is not removed, what is sold as bleach is diluted
to the proper strength with water, depending on the use. Pool chlorine vs
laundry bleach, for instance. Save yourself some money and take one part
pool chlorine to 3 parts water.
Think the hypochlorite is more stable in high pH, but not sure about that.
Anyway, the slippery feel is from the lye, and the solution itself is both a
strong oxidizer and a strong alkali.
Both might contribute to neutralizing capsaicin, but I'm not a chemist, just
been around it some, and have personally seen bleach being made.
Riley
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