What does the term "saponification" refer to in organic chemistry?

Saponification specifically refers to the chemical reaction where fats or oils are converted into soap through hydrolysis in the presence of an alkali. In this process, the ester bonds in triglycerides or fatty acids are broken down by an alkali, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. This results in the formation of glycerol and fatty acid salts, which constitute soap.

This reaction is integral in the manufacture of soap, making it significant in both industrial applications and organic chemistry education. The reaction typically occurs under heat and can be understood in the context of ester hydrolysis, where an ester reacts with water to form an alcohol and an acid; in saponification, the alkali plays a critical role in shifting the equilibrium towards the formation of soap.

The other options do not capture the essence of saponification. The neutralization reaction described in one choice pertains to acid-base reactions and does not involve fats or oils. Similarly, breaking down organic compounds using light or adding functional groups to molecules are unrelated processes. Thus, the definition of saponification distinctly aligns with the process of soap formation from fats or oils, confirming the correct choice.