WAEC Chemistry 2023 Objective — Question 15
Question 15 of 50 from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Chemistry 2023 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation.
Advertisement
Which of the following reactions represents the hydrolysis of an alkanoate?
- A. CH3COOH + C2H5OH ⇌ CH3COOC2H5 + H2O
- B. CH3COOC2H5 + H2O ⇌ CH3COO⁻ + C2H5OH
- C. CH3COOCH2CH3 + H2O ⇌ CH3COOH + CH3CH2OHCorrect
- D. CH3COOH + OH⁻ ⇌ CH3COO⁻ + H2O
Explanation
The hydrolysis of an alkanoate (ester) yields the constituent alkanoic acid and alkanol: RCOOR' + H2O ⇌ RCOOH + R'OH. For example, hydrolysis of ethyl ethanoate: CH3COOCH2CH3 + H2O ⇌ CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH.
Advertisement
Sign up free to unlock
- Score tracking
- Practice history
- Saved questions
- Progress dashboard
- Personalized sessions
- Weak-topic breakdown
…and/or go further with premium services and No Ads.