Which of the following statements is not true in relation to the hydrolysis of esters?
A) Hydrolysis of esters under acid conditions requires only a catalytic amount of a strong acid
B) Hydrolysis of esters under basic conditions requires a stoichiometric amount of hydroxide
C) Under acidic conditions for hydrolysis of esters protonation of the ester increases its electrophilicity
D) Under basic conditions for hydrolysis of esters deprotonation of the ester increases its nucleophilicity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Under basic conditions, the mechanism of ester hydrolysis (saponification) involves the attack of a hydroxide ion on the carbonyl carbon of the ester, making the ester more electrophilic rather than increasing its nucleophilicity. Deprotonation of the ester is not a step in this process.

Which of the Following Statements Is Not True in Relation