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Multiple Choice
Which of the following reactions is an example of a hydrolysis reaction?
A
Addition of hydrogen to an alkene to form an alkane
B
Formation of an ester from a carboxylic acid and an alcohol
C
Oxidation of a primary alcohol to an aldehyde
D
Conversion of an ester to a carboxylic acid and an alcohol
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of hydrolysis: Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction involving the breaking of a bond in a molecule using water. It typically results in the decomposition of a compound into two or more products.
Identify the reaction types given: Analyze each option to determine if it involves the breaking of a bond using water. Hydrolysis specifically involves the cleavage of a bond in the presence of water.
Examine the conversion of an ester to a carboxylic acid and an alcohol: This reaction involves the breaking of the ester bond using water, resulting in the formation of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. This is a classic example of hydrolysis.
Compare with other reactions: Addition of hydrogen to an alkene is a hydrogenation reaction, formation of an ester from a carboxylic acid and an alcohol is an esterification reaction, and oxidation of a primary alcohol to an aldehyde is an oxidation reaction. None of these involve hydrolysis.
Conclude that the conversion of an ester to a carboxylic acid and an alcohol is the correct example of a hydrolysis reaction, as it involves the breaking of a bond using water.