Question

Basic hydrolysis of esters produces:

• A. Carboxylates
• B. Carboxylic acids
• C. Aldehydes
• D. Ketones

Hint:

In basic hydrolysis of esters, a base such as NaOH is used, leading to the formation of a carboxylate anion and an alcohol. This is different from acidic hydrolysis, which results in carboxylic acids.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the basic hydrolysis of esters (also known as saponification), the ester reacts with a base (usually sodium hydroxide) to produce a carboxylate salt and an alcohol. The reaction proceeds as follows: \[ \text{RCOOR'} + \text{OH}^- \rightarrow \text{RCOO}^- + \text{R'OH} \]
Thus, the product of basic hydrolysis of an ester is a carboxylate salt and alcohol, not carboxylic acids, aldehydes, or ketones.