On the basis of the general mechanism for basic ester hydrolysis shown in Mechanism 20.3,...

On the basis of the general mechanism for basic ester hydrolysis shown in Mechanism 20.3, write an analogous sequence of steps for the saponification of ethyl benzoate.

Mechanism 20.3

Ester Hydrolsis in Bisic Solution

THE OVERALL REACTION:

THE MECHANISM:

Step 1: Nucleophilic addition of hydroxide to the carbonyl group

Step 2: Dissociation of the anionic tetrahedral intermediate TI⁻

Step 3: Proton transfers yield an alcohol and a carboxylate ion