Hydrolysis is the process by which oil breaks down in the presence of water.

Hydrolysis is the process by which oil breaks down in the presence of water.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It only occurs at high temperatures
• D. It only occurs with mineral oil

Answer: (A)

Hydrolysis is the chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water. When water is present in oil that contains ester bonds, the water attacks those bonds and the oil splits into fragments such as acids and alcohols/glycerol. This degradation raises acidity and can cause corrosion, which is why moisture in oil is a concern. The process isn’t limited to high temperatures, though heat can speed it up, and it isn’t restricted to mineral oil—any ester-containing oil can undergo hydrolysis in the presence of water. So the statement is true.

Hydrolysis is the chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water. When water is present in oil that contains ester bonds, the water attacks those bonds and the oil splits into fragments such as acids and alcohols/glycerol. This degradation raises acidity and can cause corrosion, which is why moisture in oil is a concern. The process isn’t limited to high temperatures, though heat can speed it up, and it isn’t restricted to mineral oil—any ester-containing oil can undergo hydrolysis in the presence of water. So the statement is true.