Organic Chemistry : Help with Saponification

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Organic Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Carbonyl Reactions

What is a product when propyl-butanoate undergoes saponification?

Possible Answers:

Butyl propanoate

None of these

Butanol

Propanoic acid

Propanol

Correct answer:

Propanol

Explanation:

When naming esters, the root word in the name describes the carbon chain that carries the carbonyl. Saponification describes the breaking up of an ester. This yields an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. The chain with the carbonyl is butyl, so the carboxylic acid will be butanoic acid. That means the side with the alcohol will be propanol. 

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