Write a balanced chemical equation using condensed structural formulas for
b. the saponification (base hydrolysis) of methyl benzoate.

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Identify the reactants: Methyl benzoate (C6H5COOCH3) and a strong base, typically sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

Write the general reaction for saponification, which involves the base hydrolysis of an ester. In this case, the ester is methyl benzoate reacting with NaOH.

Break the ester bond in methyl benzoate. The ester bond is between the oxygen of the COO group and the methyl group (CH3). Hydrolysis will split this bond, with the hydroxide ion (OH-) from NaOH attacking the carbonyl carbon.

Form the products: The reaction of the hydroxide ion with the carbonyl carbon results in the formation of sodium benzoate (C6H5COONa) and methanol (CH3OH).

Write the balanced chemical equation: C6H5COOCH3 + NaOH ightarrow C6H5COONa + CH3OH. Ensure that all atoms and charges are balanced.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Saponification

Saponification is a chemical reaction that involves the hydrolysis of an ester in the presence of a base, typically sodium hydroxide (NaOH). This process produces an alcohol and a carboxylate salt, which is commonly known as soap. In the case of methyl benzoate, the reaction will yield benzoate ion and methanol as products.

Condensed Structural Formulas

Condensed structural formulas provide a way to represent the structure of a molecule in a simplified format, showing the arrangement of atoms and the connectivity between them without depicting every bond explicitly. This notation is useful for illustrating the reactants and products in a chemical reaction, making it easier to visualize the transformation occurring during the reaction.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is the process of ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is crucial for obeying the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. A balanced equation accurately reflects the stoichiometry of the reaction, allowing for the correct prediction of product yields.