Saponification
Abstract
The saponification reaction consists of the hydrolysis of an ester to form the corresponding carboxylate salt (soap) and an alcohol using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
Keywords
Ester, Carboxylate
Category
Ester
Mechanism
First, the hydroxide ion (OH-) attacks the carbonyl of the ester, leading to the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate. The intermediate then eliminates an alkoxide, generating a carboxylic acid. Finally, the carboxylic acid is deprotonated by a hydroxide ion to form the corresponding carboxylate ion.
