CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Introduction to organic chemistry · Introduction to organic chemistry
Problem
In the alkaline hydrolysis of ethyl acetate, OH− attacks the carbonyl carbon to form a tetrahedral intermediate bonded to the hydroxide oxygen; the intermediate then collapses, regenerating OH−. Into which major category of catalysis does the role of OH− in this mechanism fall?
(a) Binding (orientation) catalysis
(b) General base (acid–base) catalysis without covalent intermediate
(c) Covalent catalysis involving nucleophilic attack by OH−
(d) Surface (heterogeneous) catalysis