BRAINCAKEHydrolysis of Esters
Hydrolysis of an ester means splitting it by reaction with water. It is the reverse of esterification and can be done with an acid or an alkali, giving different products.
Acid hydrolysis. The ester is heated under reflux with dilute acid (such as dilute sulfuric or hydrochloric acid), which acts as a catalyst. The products are a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. The reaction is reversible, so it does not go to completion; an excess of water pushes the equilibrium to the right.
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More in Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives
- Reaction with Carbonates
- Esterification
- Naming Esters
- Uses of Esters
- Vegetable Oils and Fats
- Soap Making
- Biodiesel
- Acyl Chlorides
All 16 lessons in Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives · All AQA A-level Chemistry topics