Acidic Hydrolysis of Ethyl Benzoate

Introduction:
Acidic hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with water in the presence of an acid catalyst to break down into its constituent parts. In the case of ethyl benzoate, acidic hydrolysis results in the formation of benzoic acid.

Explanation:
The reaction can be represented by the following equation:

Ethyl benzoate + Water → Benzoic acid + Ethanol

In this reaction, the ester bond between the ethyl group and the benzene ring of ethyl benzoate is cleaved, and a carboxylic acid group is formed, resulting in the production of benzoic acid.

Reasons for the Correct Answer:
The correct answer is option 'A' - True. This is because when ethyl benzoate undergoes acidic hydrolysis, it directly yields benzoic acid as the main product. This reaction is a common method for the synthesis of benzoic acid from its ester counterpart.

The acid catalyst used in the reaction, typically sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, protonates the carbonyl oxygen of the ester, making it more susceptible to nucleophilic attack by water. The nucleophilic water molecule then attacks the carbonyl carbon, leading to the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate. The tetrahedral intermediate then collapses, resulting in the cleavage of the ester bond and the formation of benzoic acid.

The byproduct of the reaction is ethanol, which is formed when the ethoxy group of ethyl benzoate is released.

Conclusion:
In summary, the acidic hydrolysis of ethyl benzoate directly gives benzoic acid as the main product. This reaction is commonly used in the synthesis of benzoic acid from its ester form.