An experiment is arranged to determine the rate of hydrolysis of ethyl ethanoate. $\text{CH}_3\text{CO}_2\text{C}_2\text{H}_5 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{CH}_3\text{CO}_2\text{H} + \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH}$ It is observed that the hydrolysis is slow in neutral aqueous solution, but it takes place at a measurable rate when the solution is acidified with hydrochloric acid. What does the hydrochloric acid do?
- Ato dissolve the ethyl ethanoate
- Bto ensure that the reaction reaches equilibrium
- Cto increase the reaction rate by catalytic action
- Dto suppress ionisation of the ethanoic acid formed