Question

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

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. [1 mark]

Esters are formed as a result of chemical reaction called esterification.
[1 mark]

Uses of esters

(i) Esters have a pleasant smell. These are used as flavouring agents and also in perfumes. [1 mark]

(ii) Esters of glycerol known as triglycerides are used in the manufacture of soaps. This reaction is called saponifica­tion reaction. [1 mark]