JEE Main Chemistry question

An organic compound is boiled with alcoholic potash. The product is cooled and acidified with HCl. A white solid separates out. The starting compound may be

(A)Ethyl benzoateCorrect
(B)Ethyl formate
(C)Ethyl acetate
(D)Methyl acetate

Answer: (A)

Solution

Alkaline hydrolysis (saponification) of an ester with alcoholic KOH gives the carboxylate salt and the alcohol; acidifying regenerates the free acid. A white solid separating on acidification

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Question ID VK-149283