Chapter 17, Problem 17.39QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

For the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of triglyceride that contains a molecule of lauric acid, a molecule of stearic acid and a molecule of capric acid has to be written.

Concept Introduction:

Esterification reaction: Esters are prepared by the reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol molecule with the elimination of water molecule. The addition of a strong acid such as ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}$ is used to increase the rate of reaction.

Here, the $-OH$ group is attached to the carbonyl carbon atom of the carboxylic acid is being replaced by $-OR\text{'}$ in the alcohol forming ester and water.

Base catalyzed ester hydrolysis: Breaking the ester bond of a glyceride by the addition of a water molecule in the presence of a strong base.

The splitting of an ester into components of acid and alcohol is known as ester hydrolysis.

In principle, these reactions are reversible and both reactions can be catalyzed either by acids or bases.