Hydrolysis of Esters

What can be used to to hydrolyse or split up an ester?

An acid or Sodium Hydroxide

What is formed when an ester is hydrolysed?

• An alcohol

• A Carboxylic Acid

What are the conditions necessary to hydrolyse an ester using :

• An acid

• Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium Hydroxide-Heat Under Reflux

Acid-Heat Under Reflux

Write down the equation for the hydrolysis of an ester?

How can you ensure an ester can be fully hydrolysed?

Use an excess of Sodium Hydroxide

What is formed when an ester reacts with NaOH?

Carboxylic Acid Salt and an alcohol

How can you convert a Carboxylic acid salt to a Carboxylic Acid?

Use a strong acid like HCl

Why is the reaction between an ester and NaOH not reversible?

The Carboxylic Acid produced is the anion of the Carboxylic acid this anion is resistant to attack by weak nucleophiles such as alcohol so the reaction is not reversible

Write down the equation between the reaction of NaOH and Methyl Propanoate?

W