(a) What are esters? How are they formed? (b) Write two uses of esters?

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Solution

(a) Esters are the group of organic compounds which contain the function group (–COOR) called ester group. The value of R may change as $— C H_{3}, — C_{2} H_{5}, — C_{3} H_{7}$ etc.

Esters are formed as a result of chemical reaction called esterification.
Reaction: When primary alcohol reacted with a carboxylic acid in the presence of sulphuric acid ester compound is formed.
$R C O O H + R O H ⟶ R C O O R + H_{2} O$

Uses of esters

(i) Esters have pleasant smell. These are used as flavouring agents and also in perfumes.

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

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Similar questions

Esters are most commonly formed by reaction of an acid and an alcohol.

Choose the statement which best describe ester :

Statement 1: Ester is formed due to the reaction between ethanol and Ethanoic acid.

Statement 2: Esters are sweet smelling substances.

Statement 3: Ester are formed due to the reaction between an acid and a carboxylic acid.

Statement 4: On treating with sodium hydroxide, ester is converted back to alcohol and sodium salt of carboxylic acid.

Statement 5: Preparation of soap involves treating sodium hydroxide with ester.

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