The splitting apart of an ester in the presence of a strong acid and water is called ________.
A)hydrolysis
B)saponification
C)neutralization
D)esterification
E)reduction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis is the process of breaking apart a compound using water. In the case of an ester, it can be hydrolyzed in the presence of a strong acid and water, leading to the formation of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. Saponification, on the other hand, is the hydrolysis of fats and oils in the presence of a strong base to form soap, and involves a different type of ester bond. Neutralization is the reaction of an acid and a base to form a salt and water, and is not relevant to the hydrolysis of an ester. Esterification is the process of forming an ester from a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, and is the opposite of hydrolysis. Reduction involves the gain of electrons, and is not relevant to the hydrolysis of an ester.

The Splitting Apart of an Ester in the Presence of a Strong