Question

Which of the following is most effective for the hydrolysis of an ester?

• A. Dilute alkali
• B. Dilute acid
• C. water
• D. Acid or alkali

Answer 1

The correct option is A Dilute alkali

Hydrolysis using dilute alkali: The ester is heated under reflux with a dilute alkali like sodium hydroxide solution. There are two big advantages of doing this rather than using a dilute acid. The reactions are one-way rather than reversible, and the products are easier to separate.

Hence option (A) is correct.