Question

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

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.

Esters are formed as a result of chemical reaction called esterification.

Uses of esters

(i) Esters have a 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.