To yield soap you must break the fat into its two component parts, Its Fatty acid, and and its glycerol constituents. The fatty acid, soluble in other fats, and a polar oxygen, which is soluble in water act together to form a solution which dissolves fats on one end and water on the other. Each fat molecule used in the manufacturing of soap is made of a unique mixture of several different triglycerides.
A triglyceride consists of three fatty acid molecules all connected to a glycerine molecule. Each fat molecule contains a carboxyl acid consisting of hydrogen, two oxygen atoms and one carbon atom. In addition to this there is a hydrocarbon chain, which attaches to the carboxylic acid.
In a more condensed form, the colonists of Arda must wash their clothing in order to stay healthy and clean, by making soap they will retain good hygiene and be able to increase efficiency by wearing the same clothing for a longer period of time. By boiling Lye, a mixture of Lime and Soda Ash, or any other strongly basic substance, with animal or plant fat, the colonists will be able to produce and distribute soap among the colony, which has innumerable benefits.
