Question

When the methyl ester of hexanoic acid is hydrolyzed in aqueous sodium hydroxide in the presence of heat, a homogeneous solution results. When the hydrolysis solution is acidified with dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid, a new insoluble product forms. What is the structure of this insoluble product?

Answer 1

Hexanoic acid is formed as insoluble product

Step-by-step explanation:

• In aqueous sodium hydroxide, methyl ester of hexanoic acid hydrolyzes to produce soluble sodium hexanoate salt.
• Upon addition of aqueous HCl, hexanoate ion is protonated to produce hexanoic acid which is insoluble in water.
• Hence, upon acidification of hydrolysis solution, two separate layers (organic and aqueous) are formed.
• Reaction are shown below.