The reaction, H orOH RCOOR R OH excess RCOOR R OH -> is called — Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Ester Hydrolysis Reaction The reaction shown depicts an ester ($RCOOR'$) reacting with water (excess $H_2O$) in the presence of an acid ($H^+$) or base ($OH^-$) catalyst to produce a carboxylic acid ($RCOOH$) and an alcohol ($R'OH$). ## Step-by-Step Analysis: **Step 1:** Identify the functional group - Starting material: Ester ($RCOOR'$) - Products: Carboxylic acid ($RCOOH$) + Alcohol ($R'OH$) **Step 2:** Recognize the reaction type - An ester bond is being broken by water - This is bond cleavage with water addition **Step 3:** Name the reaction This is called **Ester Hydrolysis** (or **Saponification** if the base is $NaOH$/$KOH$) ## Why B is Correct: The reaction demonstrates hydrolysis because: - The ester C–O bond is cleaved - Water molecules attack the carbonyl carbon - The reaction requires either acid ($H^+$) or base ($OH^-$) catalysis - Excess water drives the equilibrium forward **Note:** If specifically using $NaOH$ with heat, this is called **saponification**, producing a salt of the carboxylic acid and alcohol.