Question

Distinguish between esterfication and saponification reaction with the help of the chemical equations for each. State one use of each (i) esters and (ii) saponification process.

Answer 1

Esterification is opposite of saponification
In esterification :
$RCOOH+R^{\prime }OH\stackrel{\Delta }{\to }RCOO{R}^{\prime }+H_{2}O$

Whereas in saponification : $RCOO{R}^{\prime }+NaOH\to RCOONa+R^{\prime }OH$

(i) Uses of Esters : Esters are used in making perfumes.
(ii) Uses of saponification process: Used in making soaps and soap products on a large scale.