fats
The esters of fatty acids with glycerol. They are
generally insoluble in water and are not very
soluble in cold alcohol. They are soluble in hot
alcohol, as well as ether, acetone, carbon
disulfide, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride,
benzene, as well as other organic solvents. Fats
may be hydrolized to glycerol and fatty acids by
boiling them with acids and alkalies, by
superheated steam, and by the action of certain
enzymes, notably the lipases. When alkalies are
used for hydrolysis, the fatty acids combine with
the alkali to form soap; therefore, alkaline
hydrolysis is sometimes referred to as
saponification. Fats are used in the tannage of
some leathers, in the FATLIQUORING of light
leathers, in leather dressings, etc. See also: FAT TANNING ;WAX .
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