Question

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

Short answer

The short answers for the saponification of (a) methyl propionate and (b) phenyl acetate using condensed structural formulas are: (a) \( CH3CH2CH2COOCH3 + OH^- \rightarrow CH3CH2CH2COO^- + CH3OH \) (b) \( C6H5CH2COOCH3 + OH^- \rightarrow C6H5CH2COO^- + CH3OH \)

Step-by-step solution

(a) Saponification of methyl propionate)

First, we need to determine the condensed structural formula of methyl propionate. Methyl propionate consists of a methyl group (CH3-) bonded to a propionate group (-CH2CH2COO-). The condensed structural formula is CH3CH2CH2COOCH3. Next, we will write the saponification reaction with a hydroxide ion (OH-) for methyl propionate. This will involve the breaking of the ester bond and the formation of an alcohol and a carboxylate salt. \[ CH3CH2CH2COOCH3 + OH^- \rightarrow CH3CH2CH2COO^- + CH3OH \] The balanced chemical equation for the saponification of methyl propionate using the condensed structural formula is: \[ CH3CH2CH2COOCH3 + OH^- \rightarrow CH3CH2CH2COO^- + CH3OH \]

(b) Saponification of phenyl acetate)

First, we need to determine the condensed structural formula of phenyl acetate. Phenyl acetate consists of a phenyl group (C6H5-) bonded to an acetate group (-CH2COO-). The condensed structural formula is C6H5CH2COOCH3. Next, we will write the saponification reaction with a hydroxide ion (OH-) for phenyl acetate. This will involve the breaking of the ester bond and the formation of an alcohol and a carboxylate salt. \[ C6H5CH2COOCH3 + OH^- \rightarrow C6H5CH2COO^- + CH3OH \] The balanced chemical equation for the saponification of phenyl acetate using the condensed structural formula is: \[ C6H5CH2COOCH3 + OH^- \rightarrow C6H5CH2COO^- + CH3OH \]