In base hydrolysis of an ester, which product is formed?

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Multiple Choice

In base hydrolysis of an ester, which product is formed?

Base hydrolysis of an ester, or saponification, produces a carboxylate salt and an alcohol. The hydroxide attacks the carbonyl, the alkoxide leaves, and the carboxyl group is deprotonated by the strong base to give a carboxylate ion paired with a counterion (like Na+). So the stable product under basic conditions is the carboxylate salt. The alcohol is also formed, but the neutral carboxylic acid would only appear under acidic hydrolysis. Therefore, among the options, the species formed in base hydrolysis is the carboxylate salt. For example, ethyl acetate with NaOH gives sodium acetate and ethanol.

Base hydrolysis of an ester, or saponification, produces a carboxylate salt and an alcohol. The hydroxide attacks the carbonyl, the alkoxide leaves, and the carboxyl group is deprotonated by the strong base to give a carboxylate ion paired with a counterion (like Na+). So the stable product under basic conditions is the carboxylate salt. The alcohol is also formed, but the neutral carboxylic acid would only appear under acidic hydrolysis. Therefore, among the options, the species formed in base hydrolysis is the carboxylate salt. For example, ethyl acetate with NaOH gives sodium acetate and ethanol.

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