Question

Distinguish between esterfication and saponification reaction with the help of the chemical equations for each. 

Answer 1

Esterification reaction is opposite/reverse of saponification reaction.

In esterification, a carboxylic acid and an alcohol react to form ester in presence of acid.
RCOOH + R′OH →H+ RCOOR′ + H₂O
Whereas, in saponification reaction an ester reacts with a strong base or an acid to give alcohol and carboxylic acid.

RCOOR′ + NaOH → RCOONa + R′OH