Saponification

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Saponification is the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of esters (aka the hydrolysis of fats and glycerides).
This is in contrast to acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of esters (See Ethers, Epoxides and Esters). Base-catalyzed hydrolysis of esters is irreversible:

Figure 51.16: Saponification.
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**Figure 51.16:** Saponification.
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Alfa Diallo 2006-08-04