The reaction between ethyl acetate and sodium hydroxide, for example, is a common example of chemistry. Ethyl acetate, a fruity liquid, is very useful in chemical and pharmaceutical fields. Sodium hydroxide, a strong base, is also strong in nature.
When ethyl acetate meets sodium hydroxide, the two contact, and the reaction should be initiated. The structure of ethyl acetate changes when it encounters alkali, and the ester bond breaks. The hydroxide of sodium hydroxide attacks the carbonyl carbon of ethyl acetate, causing its structure to be reorganized.
In the process of response, ethyl acetate gradually converts into sodium acetate and ethanol. At first, the two are miscible, and the liquid is still clear. As follows, the system gradually changes. Due to the generation of sodium acetate, the liquid gradually becomes alkaline.
To observe its response, the rate is controlled by the more. When the temperature rises, it should increase rapidly, because the molecular energy increases, and the collision frequency and the effect are more. The concentration of the two is also related to the reaction speed. If the concentration is high, it should be fast. The molecules are dense, and the collision is easy.
This should be used in industry, and it is commonly used in the production of alcohols and carboxylates. It is also used in scientific research. It is the basis for ester evolution and reaction mechanism. Good study of this should show the wonders of chemical changes and help the progress of chemical technology.