Question

Alkaline hydrolysis of an ester is called as ________

• A. neutralisation
• B. esterification
• C. polymerisation
• D. saponification

Answer 1

The correct option is D saponification

Esters can be cleaved back into a carboxylic acid and alcohol by reaction with $\text{water and a base.}$ The reaction is called a $\text{saponification}$ from the Latin sapo which means soap. Due to the basic conditions, a carboxylate ion is made rather than a carboxylic acid.

Option D is correct.