What happens when an ester undergoes hydrolysis under acidic conditions?

• A. It forms the corresponding carboxylic acid and alcohol
• B. It forms alcohol and water only
• C. It forms carboxylate salt and alcohol
• D. It forms ketone and water

Answer: (A)

Under acidic hydrolysis, an ester reacts with water in the presence of an acid to give a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. The acid protonates the carbonyl oxygen, making the carbonyl carbon more electrophilic so water can attack. Water adds to form a tetrahedral intermediate, then the alkoxy group is protonated and leaves as alcohol. After deprotonation, the carbonyl re-forms to give the carboxylic acid, with the acid catalyst regenerated. This is different from basic hydrolysis, which yields a carboxylate salt instead of the neutral acid. The other options don’t fit because they omit the carboxyl product, propose a ketone, or imply salt formation under acidic conditions.