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?

Question

Chemistry

Kaliyah Hoffman

17 April, 12:04

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?

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Answers (1)

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Braedon Dillon · Answer 1

Hexanoic acid is formed as insoluble product

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.