1. The problem asks about the product of alkaline hydrolysis of an alkanoate. 2. Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as saponification, involves the reaction of an ester (alkanoate) with a strong base, typically sodium hydroxide (NaOH). 3. The general reaction formula is: $$\text{RCOOR'} + \text{OH}^- \rightarrow \text{RCOO}^- + \text{R'OH}$$ where RCOOR' is the alkanoate (ester), OH⁻ is the hydroxide ion from the base, RCOO⁻ is the carboxylate ion, and R'OH is the alcohol. 4. In this reaction, the ester bond is broken, producing a carboxylate salt and an alcohol. 5. The carboxylate salt is the conjugate base of the carboxylic acid corresponding to the alkanoate. 6. This reaction is important in soap making, where triglycerides (esters) are hydrolyzed to glycerol and fatty acid salts (soaps). Final answer: Alkaline hydrolysis of an alkanoate gives a carboxylate salt and an alcohol.