Question

Write a balanced chemical equation using condensed structural formulas for (a) the formation of butyl propionate from the appropriate acid and alcohol, (b) the saponification (base hydrolysis) of methyl benzoate.

Short answer

(a) \( CH_3CH_2COOH + CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2OH \rightarrow CH_3CH_2COOCH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3 + H_2O \) (b) \( C_6H_5COOCH_3 + NaOH \rightarrow C_6H_5COONa + CH_3OH \)

Step-by-step solution

Identify reactants and products

To form butyl propionate, we react a carboxylic acid with an alcohol. In our case, the reactants are propanoic acid and butanol (1-butanol). The product is butyl propionate and water as a byproduct.

Write condensed structural formulas

Now, let's write the condensed structural formulas of the reactants and the product: Propanoic acid: \( CH_3CH_2COOH \) 1-Butanol: \( CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2OH \) Butyl propionate: \( CH_3CH_2COOCH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3 \) Water: \( H_2O \)

Write the balanced chemical equation

Now we can write the balanced chemical equation using the condensed structural formulas of the reactants and products: \( CH_3CH_2COOH + CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2OH \rightarrow CH_3CH_2COOCH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3 + H_2O \) (b) Saponification (base hydrolysis) of methyl benzoate

Identify reactants and products

In this reaction, methyl benzoate undergoes saponification or base hydrolysis. The reactants are methyl benzoate and a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide. The products are a sodium salt of the benzoic acid and an alcohol.

Write condensed structural formulas

Now, let's write the condensed structural formulas of the reactants and the products: Methyl benzoate: \( C_6H_5COOCH_3 \) Sodium hydroxide: \( NaOH \) Sodium benzoate: \( C_6H_5COONa \) Methanol: \( CH_3OH \)

Write the balanced chemical equation

Now we can write the balanced chemical equation using the condensed structural formulas of the reactants and products: \( C_6H_5COOCH_3 + NaOH \rightarrow C_6H_5COONa + CH_3OH \)