Question

Distinguish between esterification and saponification reaction with help of the chemical equation for each

Answer 1

esterfication reaction: when an organic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of acid catalyst, it produces a sweet smelling substance called ester. this reaction is called esterfication reaction, e.g.,

CH₃COOH + C₂H₅0H ---------> CH₃COOC₂H₅ +H₂O

Saponification: ester reacts in the presence of an acid or a base to give back the alcohol and the carboxylic acid. this reaction is known as saponification because it is used in the preparation of soap.

CH₃COOC₂H₅ -----------> CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH