JAMB Chemistry 2017 Question 22

Question 22

Alkanoic Acids and Esters

The products formed on hydrolysis of CH₃–C(=O)–OCH₂CH₂CH₃ in acid (HCl) is

A.CH₃C(=O)–OH + CH₃CH₂CH₂Cl
B.CH₃CH₂CH₂OH + CH₃C(=O)–Cl
C.CH₃C(=O)–O–H + HOCH₂CH₂CH₃
D.CH₃C(=O)–O–H + CH₃CH₃

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (CH₃C(=O)–O–H + HOCH₂CH₂CH₃)

Explanation

Acid hydrolysis of an ester gives back the carboxylic acid and the alkanol: propyl ethanoate gives ethanoic acid and propan-1-ol. The HCl is only a catalyst.