Give the equation for the base hydrolysis of methyl benzoate by KOH. What are the 2 types of molecules being formed in this reaction?
The equation for the base hydrolysis of methyl benzoate (C6H5COOCH3) by KOH (potassium hydroxide) is as follows:
C6H5COOCH3 + KOH -> C6H5COOK + CH3OH
In this reaction, two types of molecules are being formed:
1. Potassium benzoate (C6H5COOK): This is the product formed by the reaction between the carboxylate group of methyl benzoate and the potassium ion of KOH.
2. Methanol (CH3OH): This is the byproduct of the reaction, formed from the hydrolysis of the ester group of methyl benzoate.
To determine the equation for the base hydrolysis of methyl benzoate by KOH, we need to understand the reaction between the two compounds.
Step 1: Write the structure of methyl benzoate (C6H5COOCH3).
Step 2: Identify the hydrolysis reaction, where the ester (methyl benzoate) is broken down by a base (KOH) into two products: an alcohol and a carboxylate salt.
Step 3: Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction:
C6H5COOCH3 + KOH → C6H5COOK + CH3OH
In this equation, methyl benzoate reacts with potassium hydroxide (KOH) to form potassium benzoate (C6H5COOK) and methanol (CH3OH). The two types of molecules formed in this reaction are alcohol (methanol) and carboxylate salt (potassium benzoate).