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Multiple Choice

Hydrolyze ethyl benzoate under acidic conditions. What is the product?

Acidic hydrolysis of an ester splits it into the carboxylic acid corresponding to the acyl part and the alcohol from the alkoxy part. Ethyl benzoate has the benzoate (benzoic acid) portion and an ethyl group as the alkoxy. Under acidic conditions, water adds to the carbonyl and, after proton transfers, the ester breaks to benzoic acid and ethanol. Therefore the main organic product is benzoic acid, with ethanol produced as a by-product.

Acidic hydrolysis of an ester splits it into the carboxylic acid corresponding to the acyl part and the alcohol from the alkoxy part. Ethyl benzoate has the benzoate (benzoic acid) portion and an ethyl group as the alkoxy. Under acidic conditions, water adds to the carbonyl and, after proton transfers, the ester breaks to benzoic acid and ethanol. Therefore the main organic product is benzoic acid, with ethanol produced as a by-product.