Organic+-+Saponification

ester + hydroxide -(heat)-> ethanoate ion --> acid > carboxylic acid

Saponification is the hydrolysis of an ester under basic conditions to form an alcohol and the salt of the acid. Saponification is commonly used to refer to the reaction of a metallic alkali (base) with a fat or oil to form soap. []
 * Definition:**Usually, a process by which triglycerides are reacted with sodium or potassium hydroxide to produce glycerol and a fatty acid salt, called 'soap'. http://chemistry.about.com/library/glossary/bldef825.htm