What is formed when an ester reacts with a base in saponification?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Alcohol and sodium salt of a carboxylic acid
Saponification is the alkaline hydrolysis of an ester. When an ester reacts with sodium hydroxide, its alkoxy group becomes an alcohol and the acid part forms the sodium salt of a carboxylic acid. For a fat or oil, this sodium salt is soap. Hence option A is correct; carbon dioxide, hydrogen, diamond, and graphite are not the normal products of alkaline ester hydrolysis.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Alcohol and sodium salt of a carboxylic acid
Why is this the correct answer?
Saponification is the alkaline hydrolysis of an ester. When an ester reacts with sodium hydroxide, its alkoxy group becomes an alcohol and the acid part forms the sodium salt of a carboxylic acid. For a fat or oil, this sodium salt is soap. Hence option A is correct; carbon dioxide, hydrogen, diamond, and graphite are not the normal products of alkaline ester hydrolysis.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Carbon and its Compounds. Topic: Soaps and detergents.
