Question

Are esters edible ?

Answer 1

Esters:

1. Esters are the organic compounds that are obtained by replacing the hydroxy group of the carboxylic moiety of the carboxylic acid with the alkoxy group.
2. Example: Methyl acetate$\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{COOCH}}_3\right)$, butyl acetate$\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{COOCH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_3\right)$.
3. Some of the physical properties of esters include colorless liquid and pleasant smell.

Explanation:

1. Since esters are present in various items that we eat every day like bananas ($\mathrm{N}$-amyl acetate present), apples (methyl butyrate present) and many more fruits, vegetables, spices, drinks and so on contain esters.
2. However the esters are edible in minuscule quantity.
3. Even many long chain and complicated esters are found in animal and vegetable fats and oils.
4. So, yes, esters are edible.