what is saponification and give examples
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When ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol in the presence of a catalyst , a sweet smelling substance - Ester is formed. This reaction is known as esterification.
Ester is treated with NaOH(alkali) , to get alcohol(ethanol) and sodium salt of carboxylic acid . Hence, this reaction is called saponification reaction , as this reaction is used in the preparation of soap.
Ester = CH₃COOC₂H₅
Ethanol = CH₃CH₂OH
NaOH
CH₃COOC₂H₅ -------------------> CH₃CH₂OH + CH₃COONa
( Soap molecules consists of sodium salt of long chain carboxylic acids)
Verified answer
On treating with sodium hydroxide, which is an alkali, the ester is converted back to alcohol and sodium salt of carboxylic acid. This reaction is known as saponification because it is used in the preparation of soap.