What reaction is the opposite of esterification?

1 Answer
anor277
Jul 9, 2018

#"Is this not saponification...?"#

Explanation:

For #"esterification"# we would write...

#RCO_2H + HOR' stackrel(H_3O^+, Delta)rarrRCO_2R' + H_2O#

And for #"saponification"# we would write...

#RCO_2R'stackrel(HO^-, Delta)rarrRCO_2^(-) + HOR'#

The reaction may be performed under acidic or basic conditions...

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