Characterization of some commercial soaps by x-ray diffraction

Th e diffraction of X-r ays by 29 commercial soaps was investigated.The patterns ind icate that the oaps ar e crystalline, and t he data have been used to identify the various phases in the solid soaps.The s ingle long-spacing value obtained for the tOilet, medicated, glycerin, coco, and washing soaps is inclicatiye of the existence of a Single crystal type in t hese soaps.The exhibition of two or three sets of long-spacing values by t he 'having soa ps is indicative of t he presence in these soaps of two or three individual phases.'Ihe mo is ture conten t of these soaps indicates that the toilet and medicated soaps a r e either h emihydrates or monohydrates; the coco soaps, clibydr ates; and the sha ying soaps, monohydrates.