An optically active ester (11.6g) having the summary formula C6H12O2,was hydrolysed by heating with an excess of aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. After terminating the hydrolysis the alkaline reaction mixture was several times extracted with ether. The aqueous solution was not optically active. The united ether extracts were dried with anhydrous magnesium sulphate. The ether solution was filtrated, ether was distilled off from it and the residue was redistilled.7.4 g (100%) of a liquid boiling at 100°C was obtained.
1. Write the structural formula of the ester.
2. What would be the structure of an ester with identical summary formula, i.e. C6H12O2, if the aqueous solution after the alkaline hydrolysis obtained in the above mentioned way, were optically active?
3. Write down equations for the alkaline hydrolysis of both esters with sodium hydroxide solution.
