The saponification of an alkanoate to produce soap and alkanol involves

Correct answer: hydrolysis.

Explanation: Saponification is the alkaline hydrolysis of an ester (alkanoate). In hot NaOH/KOH, the ester breaks to give a carboxylate salt (the “soap”) and an alkanol (alcohol).

• Dehydration – removes water; not the process here.
• Esterification – forms an ester from acid + alcohol; saponification is the reverse.
• Oxidation – involves electron loss; not the reaction type in soap making.