The hydrolysis of an ester with hot sodium hydroxide solution is called saponification and gives
Correct answer: C. the sodium salt of the acid and an alcohol
- A. the carboxylic acid and an alkene
- B. an aldehyde and water
- C. the sodium salt of the acid and an alcohol
- D. an amide and hydrogen
Explanation
Alkaline hydrolysis produces the carboxylate salt rather than the free acid, and because that salt cannot react back with the alcohol the reaction goes to completion, unlike acidic hydrolysis which is reversible. When the ester is a natural fat the sodium salt produced is soap, which is the origin of the name. Glycerol is the alcohol released in that case.
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About Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Carboxylic acid derivatives include acid halides, acid anhydrides, esters and amides, formed by replacing the hydroxyl group of a carboxylic acid. Their nomenclature, structures, preparation, hydrolysis and relative reactivity are linked through nucleophilic acyl substitution, which differs from the nucleophilic addition reactions of aldehydes and ketones.
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550 free Carboxylic Acids MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
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