Final answer:
The theoretical yield of methyl benzoate can be calculated based on the stoichiometry of the reaction and the amount of reactants used.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theoretical yield of methyl benzoate can be calculated based on the stoichiometry of the reaction and the amount of reactants used. To find the theoretical yield, you need to determine the limiting reactant of the reaction. This is the reactant that will be completely consumed and determines the maximum amount of product that can be formed.
Once you have identified the limiting reactant, you can use the coefficients in the balanced chemical equation to calculate the theoretical yield. The balanced equation for the hydrolysis of methyl benzoate in a potassium hydroxide solution is:
methyl benzoate + KOH → benzoic acid + methanol
Using the molar masses of the reactants and products, you can convert the mass of the limiting reactant to moles, and then use the mole ratio from the balanced equation to calculate the moles of product formed. Finally, you can convert the moles of product to grams using the molar mass of methyl benzoate.