Ester-base reaction
Ester-base reaction with alkali, is a common one in chemistry. Now take the reaction between ethyl acetate and sodium hydroxide as an example.

Ethyl acetate, a fruity liquid, is widely used in the chemical industry. Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as caustic soda, is a strong alkaline solid. When the two meet, they should be hydrolyzed.

At the beginning of its reaction, the molecule of ethyl acetate contacts the hydroxide ion of sodium hydroxide. Hydroxide is ionic and active, attacking the carbonyl carbon of ethyl acetate. This carbon is connected to an ester group, which is slightly positive, so it is pro-hydroxide. The two combine to form an intermediate state.

Not long after, the intermediate state is unstable, the ethoxy group of the ester group leaves, and combines with the hydrogen ion to form ethanol. Carbonyl carbon combines with hydroxide, and finally forms the acetate ion. This ion coexists with the sodium ion in the liquid and is sodium acetate.

Looking at this reaction, ethanol and sodium acetate can be obtained. Ethanol is a common organic solvent and is useful in the wine, medicine and other industries. Sodium acetate is also useful in the chemical and food industries.

The speed of this reaction depends on multiple factors. If the temperature is high or low, the temperature should increase rapidly. If the concentration is large, the concentration of ethyl acetate and sodium hydroxide should also be rapid. And the contact surface is wide and narrow. If stirring makes the two mix evenly and increases the contact surface, it should be faster.

In short, the reaction between ethyl acetate and sodium hydroxide is essential for chemical exploration and industrial preparation. Knowing its mechanism and the cause of its influence can be used well, which is karmic work.