What term describes the process of esters undergoing hydrolysis?

The term that describes the process of esters undergoing hydrolysis is saponification. This process occurs when esters react with water, typically in the presence of an acid or a base, leading to the formation of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid.

Saponification is specifically mentioned in the context of forming soaps from fats or oils, which are usually triglycerides (complex esters). During this chemical reaction, the ester bonds in the triglycerides break down, releasing glycerol and fatty acids, which can then be further processed into soap. Therefore, saponification not only refers to the hydrolysis of esters but has a clear application in the production of soaps, emphasizing its importance in both organic chemistry and practical applications.

The other terms, such as oxidation, esterification, and reduction, describe different types of chemical reactions and processes unrelated to the hydrolysis of esters.