Question

what is saponification reaction ?

Answer 1

When an ester reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium salt of acid and alcohol , the reaction is called saponification .
Eg. : CH3COOC2H5 + NaOH ==>CH3COONa + C2H5OH

Answer 2

Explanation:

A reaction in which a fat or oil is heated in an aqueous solution resulting in the formation of soap and alcohol is known as saponification.

For example, the chemical reaction equation for saponification process is as follows.

   $CH_3COOC_2H_5 + NaOH \overset{heat}{\rightarrow} CH_3COONa + C_2H_5OH$

So basically, in saponification an ester is cleaved into carboxylic acid and alcohol.