An ester has a molecular formula C4H8O8. Write structural formula . What happens when this easter is heated in presence of NaOH ? Write the balanced chemical equation for reaction and name the reation.
What is saponification reaction and why it is named so?
Hi Dhruva,
Your question seems to be slightly incorrect. It should be the structural formula for ester C4H8O2 and not C4H8O8.
If this is the case, here is your answer.
Ester with molecular formula C4H8O2 is ethyl ethanoate (CH3COOCH2CH3). Its structural formula is represented as follows:
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When ethyl ethanoate (CH3COOCH2CH3) is reacted with NaOH it gives ethanol and ethanoic acid.
The reaction follows as:
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This reaction is used in the preparation of soaps and is known as saponification reaction.
Thus, saponification reaction can be defined as the reaction in which the esters react with an alkali to form carboxylic acids and alcohols. This reaction is named so because it is used in the preparation of soap.
Hope it is clear to you.
Best Wishes!