This results in the formation of glycerol and a salt - soap. \(Fat/Oil + Sodium\, Hydroxide \rightarrow Soap + Glycerol\) Fats and oils are esters made from glycerol and long chain fatty acids.

During his research, Liu was able to functionalize, or change the chemistry, of the oil into molecules to be converted into soaps, detergents, lubricants, and other products. "These materials are ...