Question

what is saponification ?

Answer 1

Hi !

When ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol in the presence of a catalyst , a sweet smelling substance - Ester is formed. This reaction is known as esterification.

Ester is treated with NaOH(alkali) , to get alcohol(ethanol) and sodium salt of carboxylic acid . Hence, this reaction is called saponification reaction , as this reaction is used in the preparation of soap.

Ester = CH₃COOC₂H₅
Ethanol = CH₃CH₂OH

                                    NaOH
CH₃COOC₂H₅       -------------------> CH₃CH₂OH + CH₃COONa

( Soap molecules consists of sodium salt of long chain carboxylic acids)

Answer 2

*BONJOUR*

***saponification reaction

1) In saponification ester is reacted

with base such as sodium hydroxide so that it converts back to alcohol and sodium salt of carboxylic acid

2)for example ethyl ethanoate on reaction with Sodium Hydroxide gives ethanol and sodium ethanoate

3) Reaction -

CH3COOC2H5 + NaOH ----> C2H5OH +

CH3COONa

4) Use -

saponification reaction is used to prepare soap

hope helped..