Ester Saponification Reaction Steps:

• Recognize the reaction as base hydrolysis (saponification) of an ester with excess NaOH(aq) under reflux.
• Recall the general equation: RCOOR' + NaOH → RCOONa + R'OH.
• Identify products as sodium carboxylate salt and alcohol.
• Match products to option showing RCOONa and R'OH.

Why C is correct:

• Option C displays the sodium carboxylate (RCOO⁻ Na⁺) and alcohol (R'OH), matching the saponification products per the reaction mechanism where OH⁻ attacks the carbonyl, yielding the salt under basic conditions.

Why the others are wrong:

• A shows carboxylic acid and alcohol, incorrect as excess base prevents protonation to acid.
• B shows carboxylic acid and alkoxide, wrong since alkoxide forms only in alcoholysis, not hydrolysis.
• D shows ester and hydroxide, incorrect as these are reactants, not products.

Final answer: C