For the ordinary <esters>, <hydroxide> adds to the acyl carbon, producing a tetrahedral oxyanion; collapse expels 2,4-dinitrophenoxide, followed by acid-base equilibration to the benzoate. This is base-promoted acyl-oxygen cleavage, a <BAC2 mechanism>. Rate-limiting addition naturally gives the observed bimolecular dependence on <ester> and OH$^-$.

Solution

Past exam of the chemistry course of the year 3 of the natural sciences course of the University of Cambridge / 2022 / Paper 4 / 66 / a / i / Solution

 Solution (source code)