Question

The structural formula of an ester is CH 3 CH 2 COOC 2 H 5 . Write the name and structural formula of

products obtained when it is hydrolysed with dil. HCl.

Answer 1

The structural formula of the ester is CH3CH2COOC2H5. When this ester is hydrolyzed with dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl), it will produce two products: ethanol (CH3CH2OH) and acetic acid (CH3COOH). The structural formulas of these products are shown below:

Ethanol: CH3CH2OH

Acetic acid: CH3COOH

Note that in a hydrolysis reaction, an ester is typically broken down into a carboxylic acid and an alcohol by the addition of water. In this case, the hydrolysis of the ester with dilute HCl results in the production of ethanol and acetic acid.