Write a balanced chemical equation using condensed structural formulas for the saponification (base hydrolysis) of (a) methyl propionate, \((\mathbf{b})\) phenyl acetate.

Step 1: Identify the reactants Methyl propionate is an ester with the condensed structural formula CH_3CH_2COOCH_3. The base used in saponification is usually a hydroxide ion (OH^⁻). In this case, let's use sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the base. Step 2: Write the unbalanced equation Now, we can write the unbalanced equation: CH_3CH_2COOCH_3 + NaOH Step 3: Identify the products The products of the saponification are an alcohol (formed by adding H from the OH^⁻ to the CH_3) and a carboxylate salt (formed by adding the O^⁻ from the OH^⁻ to the ester group). The products are methanol (CH_3OH) and sodium propionate (CH_3CH_2COONa). Step 4: Write the balanced equation The balanced equation for the saponification of methyl propionate is: \[CH_3CH_2COOCH_3 + NaOH \rightarrow CH_3CH_2COONa + CH_3OH\]

Step 1: Identify the reactants Phenyl acetate is an ester with the condensed structural formula C_6H_5COOCH_3. Again, let's use sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the base. Step 2: Write the unbalanced equation Now, we can write the unbalanced equation: C_6H_5COOCH_3 + NaOH Step 3: Identify the products The products of the saponification are an alcohol (formed by adding H from the OH^⁻ to the CH_3) and a carboxylate salt (formed by adding the O^⁻ from the OH^⁻ to the ester group). The products are methanol (CH_3OH) and sodium phenylacetate (C_6H_5COONa). Step 4: Write the balanced equation The balanced equation for the saponification of phenyl acetate is: \[C_6H_5COOCH_3 + NaOH \rightarrow C_6H_5COONa + CH_3OH\]