Question

Differentiate between acid hydrolysis and alkaline hydrolysis of esters

Answer 1

Acid hydrolysis of an ester produces a carboxylic acid, a weak acid, which means it does not ionize fully when dissolved in water. That means the reverse reaction that produces the ester is favored. On the other hand, alkaline hydrolysis produces a carboxylate salt which ionizes fully and signals that the reaction has gone to completion.

Answer 2

Hydrolysis: The reaction to water is called as hydrolysis.

Acid hydrolysis of ester:

• Heated with a dilute acid such as dilute hydrochloric acid or dilute sulphuric acid.
• Ethanoic acid and ethanol are formed as a result of the reaction to water.
• The mixture is equilibrium.

Alkaline hydrolysis of ester:

• Heated with a dilute alkali like sodium hydroxide solution.
• One way reaction.
• The products can be separated easily.
• A sodium salt is formed.