MCAT Organic Question — Acidic Conditions
- by
- Sep 18, 2014
- MCAT Question of the Day
What is the product of water and ethyl ethanoate under acidic conditions?
a) ethanoic acid and ethanol
b) butanol and water
c) ethanoic acid, 2 equivalents
d) ethanol, 2 equivalents
Explanation
When mixed with water under acidic or basic conditions, esters undergo hydrolysis. The products are a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
a) ethanoic acid and ethanol, correct.
b) butanol and water, incorrect, Ethyl ethanoate does not lose its ester group to become a four-carbon alcohol.
c) ethanoic acid, 2 equivalents, incorrect, Hydrolysis of an ester forms carboxylic acid and alcohol.
d) ethanol, 2 equivalents, incorrect, Hydrolysis of an ester forms carboxylic acid and alcohol.
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