Kinetics of acid-based and alkali-based catalysed reactions of esters

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the kinetics of acid-based and alkali-based catalyzed reactions of esters, specifically focusing on the order of reactions in the context of hydrolysis of esters such as ethyl ethanoate. The scope includes theoretical aspects and homework-related inquiries.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the acid-catalyzed reaction is first order with respect to the ester and zero order with respect to H+, leading to an overall order of 1.
  • Another participant claims that the alkaline-catalyzed reaction is first order with respect to both the ester and OH-, resulting in an overall order of 2.
  • A participant questions whether the reaction in discussion is a saponification reaction.
  • Clarification is provided that the discussion pertains to the hydrolysis of an ester.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing views on the order of reactions for acid and alkaline hydrolysis, with no consensus reached on the underlying reasons for these differences.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the explanation of reaction orders and the specific conditions that lead to the observed kinetics.

Kushal
Messages
438
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



Why is the acid based catalysed reaction of esters first order while the akaline based catalysed reaction is second order.


Homework Equations



rate is proportional to [ester]^a [water]^b


The Attempt at a Solution



i know that a fisrt order is proportional to only one substance, here it is the ester. and most probably the second order is proportional to both the ester and the OH-. now i can't explain why.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Would that be a saponification reaction you are talking about?
 
oo yeah, i forgot to say it's about the hydrolysis of an ester, e.g. ethyl ethanoate.
 
well... i got the answer...

acid hydrolysis is first order with respect to the ester, and zero order with respect to the H+. overall order is 1.

alkaline hydrolysis is first order with respect to ester and first order with respect to OH-. overall order is 2.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Replies
14
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K