What is meant by each of the following terms? i. Esterification ii. Saponification. – NABTEB QUESTION

Solution:

i. Esterification is a chemical reaction between an organic/carboxylic acid and alcohol/alkanol to form ester and water only.
OR
Organic acid + Alcohol → ester + water.

ii. Saponification is a chemical reaction ( hydrolysis) of fat or oil with caustic alkali yielding soap and an Alkanol ( propane -1,2,3, triol) glycerol
OR
Fats/oil + caustic Alkali → soap + propane- 1, 2, 3, triol (Glycerol)