Question:

Identify the product ' B ' in the following sequence of reactions.
$\text{Methylpropanoate} \xrightarrow[\text{dil. NaOH}]{\Delta} \text{A} \xrightarrow[\text{Conc. HCl}]{\text{H}^+} \text{B}$

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Ester + Base $\rightarrow$ Salt. Salt + Acid $\rightarrow$ Carboxylic Acid. It's a two-step route to "undo" an esterification.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
  • sodium propanoate
  • propanone
  • propanal
  • propanoic acid
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Concept

This sequence involves the basic hydrolysis of an ester (saponification) followed by acidification of the resulting salt.

Step 2: Meaning

Esters react with bases to form a salt of the carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Acidification of the carboxylate salt restores the parent carboxylic acid.

Step 3: Analysis

1. $\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{COOCH}_3$ (Methylpropanoate) reacts with NaOH to form $\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{COONa}$ (Sodium propanoate, A) and methanol. 2. $\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{COONa}$ (A) reacts with HCl to form $\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{COOH}$ (Propanoic acid, B) and NaCl.

Step 4: Conclusion

The final product B is propanoic acid. Final Answer: (D)
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