Question

An ester has the molecular formula C₄H₈O₂. Write its structural formula. What happens when this ester is heated in the presence of sodium hydroxide solution? Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction and name the products. What is a saponification reaction?

Answer 1

Structural formula:

When this ester is heated in the presence of sodium hydroxide solution, it changes into an alcohol and a carboxylic acid

Products: Ethanol and ethanoic acid
Saponification: Reaction of an ester with an acid or a base to give an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. This reaction is known as saponification because it is used in the preparation of soap.