Moderate

Saponification is alkaline hydrolysis of esters. What is the important product that is generated from ester's acyl group?

Correct answer: B. Carboxylate anion

  • A. Acid anhydride
  • B. Carboxylate anion
  • C. Phenoxide
  • D. Protic acid

Explanation

Saponification is the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of an ester. The hydroxide ion attacks the carbonyl carbon, cleaving the ester bond to form an alcohol and a carboxylate anion. This carboxylate anion is the salt of a fatty acid, commonly known as soap.

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About Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are named and studied through the combined effects of the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, their preparation, acidity and hydrogen bonding. Reactions include neutralisation, esterification, reduction and conversion into acid chlorides, anhydrides, esters and amides, with emphasis on how these derivatives interconvert.

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