Concept:Soap production involves the alkaline hydrolysis of fats and oils, producing soap and an alkanol as a by-product.Explanation:Fats and oils are esters of fatty acids and glycerol. During saponification, these esters react with sodium or potassium hydroxide to form soap and glycerol. Glycerol, also called propane-1,2,3-triol, is the alkanol obtained.Answer:C. glycerol