The hydrolysis of esters can be done by both acid or base catalysis, however esterification of carboxylic acids can only be done by acid catalysis. Why is this?
a. We cannot make a strong enough base to perform the reaction.
b. Base will ruin the product produced.
c. The carboxylic acid will be deprotonated by the base and will leave an unreactive carboxylate anion.
d. The reaction can be catalyzed by base.
e. none of these
Answer: c. The carboxylic acid will be deprotonated by the base and will leave an unreactive