Question

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

Short answer

(a) \( CH_3CH_2COOCH_3 + OH^- \rightarrow CH_3CH_2COO^- + CH_3OH \) (b) \( C_6H_5COOCH_3 + OH^- \rightarrow C_6H_5COO^- + CH_3OH \)

Step-by-step solution

(a) Methyl propionate saponification)

First, let's identify the condensed structural formulas for methyl propionate (CH_3CH_2COOCH_3) and write the equation for its hydrolysis in the presence of a base (OH^-): \[ CH_3CH_2COOCH_3 + OH^- \rightarrow \] Next, let's write the products of the reaction, which are a carboxylate anion and an alcohol: \[ CH_3CH_2COO^- + CH_3OH \] Now let's put the reactants and products together to form the balanced chemical equation for the saponification of methyl propionate: \[ CH_3CH_2COOCH_3 + OH^- \rightarrow CH_3CH_2COO^- + CH_3OH \]

(b) Phenyl acetate saponification)

Now let's identify the condensed structural formulas for phenyl acetate (C_6H_5COOCH_3) and write the equation for its hydrolysis in the presence of a base (OH^-): \[ C_6H_5COOCH_3 + OH^- \rightarrow \] Next, let's write the products of the reaction, which are a carboxylate anion and an alcohol: \[ C_6H_5COO^- + CH_3OH \] Now let's put the reactants and products together to form the balanced chemical equation for the saponification of phenyl acetate: \[ C_6H_5COOCH_3 + OH^- \rightarrow C_6H_5COO^- + CH_3OH \] In summary, the balanced chemical equations for the saponification of methyl propionate and phenyl acetate are: (a) \( CH_3CH_2COOCH_3 + OH^- \rightarrow CH_3CH_2COO^- + CH_3OH \) (b) \( C_6H_5COOCH_3 + OH^- \rightarrow C_6H_5COO^- + CH_3OH \)