Which of the following refers to the process of hydrolysis of $\mathrm{thioesters}$?

• A. Formation of $\mathrm{thioester}$ bonds through dehydration
• B. Reduction of $\mathrm{thioesters}$ to alcohols
• C. Oxidation of $\mathrm{thioesters}$ to form disulfides
• D. Breaking the $\mathrm{thioester}$ bond by the addition of water

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'hydrolysis': Hydrolysis is a chemical process that involves the breaking of a bond in a molecule using water. In organic chemistry, it often refers to the cleavage of esters, amides, and other functional groups.
2. Identify the functional group: A thioester is similar to an ester, but it contains a sulfur atom in place of the oxygen atom in the ester linkage. The general structure of a thioester is R-C(=O)-S-R'.
3. Recognize the process: In the hydrolysis of thioesters, water (H₂O) is added to the thioester, resulting in the cleavage of the C-S bond.
4. Determine the products: The hydrolysis of a thioester typically yields a carboxylic acid and a thiol. The water molecule provides an OH group to the carbonyl carbon and an H atom to the sulfur atom.
5. Summarize the reaction: The process of hydrolysis of thioesters involves breaking the thioester bond by the addition of water, leading to the formation of a carboxylic acid and a thiol.