7.3.4 Ester Hydrolysis

Question 1

What happen when an ester is hydrolysed using an acid?

Answer 1

• Forms carboxylic acid and alcohol
• Using dilute acid and heat under reflux
• Reversible reaction

Question 2

What happen when an ester is hydrolysed using an alkali?

Answer 2

• Carboxylate salt and alcohol is formed
• Reflux, heat, NaOH
• Irreversible reaction

Question 3

How can soap be made?

Answer 3

• Hydrolysing vegetable oils and animal fats
• Alkaline (Aqueous NaOH)
• Saponification
• Soaps are carboxylate salts