Question

(a) What are esters? How are they formed? [1 mark]
(b) Write two uses of esters? [1 mark]

Answer 1

(a) Esters are the group of organic compounds which contain the functional group (–COOR) called ester group. The value of R may change as (—$C{H}_3$, —$C_2{H}_5$, —$C_3{H}_7$) etc. [0.5 marks]

Esters are formed as a result of chemical reaction called esterification.[0.5 marks]

(b) Uses of esters

(i) Esters have a pleasant smell. These are used as flavouring agents and also in perfumes.[0.5 marks]

(ii) Esters of glycerol known as triglycerides are used in the manufacture of soaps. This reaction is called saponifica­tion reaction.[0.5 marks]