What is the alkaline hydrolysis of esters called?

The alkaline hydrolysis of esters is called saponification. Saponification is a chemical reaction where an ester reacts with a strong base, usually sodium hydroxide (NaOH), resulting in the formation of an alcohol and a salt of a carboxylic acid. This reaction is widely known because it is the basic process used in soap making.

In this process, the ester bond breaks due to the attack of hydroxide ions. The ester's acid part converts into a carboxylate salt (soap), and the alcohol part is released as a free alcohol. For example, when fats (which are esters of glycerol and fatty acids) undergo saponification, the products are glycerol and soap molecules.

Saponification is important industrially because it produces soap from natural fats and oils. The reaction is typically carried out by heating the ester with a concentrated base. The name "saponification" comes from "sapo," the Latin word for soap, highlighting its connection to soap production. This reaction is also used in laboratories to analyze fats and esters.