Problem 47 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

Write a balanced chemical equation using condensed structural formulas for the saponification (base hydrolysis) of (a) methyl propionate, (b) phenyl acetate.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The balanced chemical equations for the saponification of (a) methyl propionate and (b) phenyl acetate are: (a) \(CH_3CH_2COOCH_3 + NaOH → CH_3CH_2COONa + CH_3OH\) (b) \(C_6H_5COOCH_3 + NaOH → C_6H_5COONa + CH_3OH\)

Step 1: Identify the Structure of Methyl Propionate

Methyl propionate is an ester with the condensed structural formula CH3CH2COOCH3. Step 2: Determine the Products

Step 2: Determine the Products for Methyl Propionate

When methyl propionate (CH3CH2COOCH3) undergoes saponification, it will react with a base, typically NaOH or KOH, to produce an alcohol and a salt of the carboxylic acid. Step 3: Write the Balanced Chemical Equation

Step 3: Write the Balanced Chemical Equation for Methyl Propionate

Using the condensed structural formulas, we can write the balanced chemical equation for the saponification of methyl propionate: \(CH_3CH_2COOCH_3 + NaOH → CH_3CH_2COONa + CH_3OH\) (b) Phenyl acetate Step 1: Identify the Structure of the Reactants

Step 4: Identify the Structure of Phenyl Acetate

Phenyl acetate is an ester with the condensed structural formula C6H5COOCH3. Step 2: Determine the Products

Step 5: Determine the Products for Phenyl Acetate

When phenyl acetate (C6H5COOCH3) undergoes saponification, it will react with a base, typically NaOH or KOH, to produce an alcohol and a salt of the carboxylic acid. Step 3: Write the Balanced Chemical Equation

Step 6: Write the Balanced Chemical Equation for Phenyl Acetate

Using the condensed structural formulas, we can write the balanced chemical equation for the saponification of phenyl acetate: \(C_6H_5COOCH_3 + NaOH → C_6H_5COONa + CH_3OH\)