Question

Why is Sulphuric Acid used in Esterification Rather than $\mathrm{HCl}$?

Answer 1

Esterification reactions:

A reaction in which an organic acid $\left(-\mathrm{RCOOH}\right)$combines with an alcohol $(-\mathrm{ROH})$ to give ester $(-\mathrm{RCOOR})$.

Here, concentrated Sulphuric acid $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4\right)$is used as a catalyst.

• $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4\right)$is used rather than $\mathrm{HCl}$ because Sulphuric acid is a very good dehydrating agent, due to which the equilibrium of the reaction is shifted to the right.
• It also speeds up the reaction because it is a diprotic acid and contains more hydrogen ions than Hydrochloric acid.

Hence, Sulphuric Acid is used in Esterification Rather than HCl.