Question

What is the alkaline hydrolysis of Esters called?

Answer 1

• The alkaline hydrolysis of the ester is known as saponification.
• The term "hydrolysis" refers to a chemical reaction that takes place with water.
• Saponification is the hydrolysis of esters in the presence of an alkali.
• For Example,

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{RCOOR}\text{'}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)+\mathrm{NaOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to \mathrm{RCOONa}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+\mathrm{R}\text{'}\mathrm{OH}\left(\mathrm{l}\right) \\ \mathrm{Higher}\mathrm{ester}\mathrm{Sodium}\mathrm{salt}\mathrm{of} \\ \mathrm{higher}\mathrm{fatty}\mathrm{acid} \end{gathered}$$.