Explain esterification reaction with the help of a chemical equation. Describe an activity to show esterification.

Open in App

Solution

When alcohol and acid react to form ester the reaction is termed as esterification.
$C_{2} H_{5} O H + C H_{3} C O O H \to C H_{3} C O O C_{2} H_{5}$
Activity:
Take 1 ml of pure ethanol in a test tube and add 1ml of ethanoic acid to it. Then add 2 to 3 drops of concentrated sulphuric acid to the mixture.
Warm the test tube
Pour the contents of the test tube in a 50ml of water taken in another beaker and smell it.
A sweet smell is obtained with indicates the formation of ester.

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

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

(a) Esters are sweet-smelling substances and are used in making perfumes. Describe an activity for the preparation of an ester with the help of a well-labelled diagram. Write an equation for the chemical reaction involved in the formation of the ester. Also writer the names of all the substances involved in the process of esterification.
(b) State any two uses of esters.

Q. Distinguish between esterification and saponification reaction of organic compounds with the help of the chemical equation for each. What is the use of (i) Esters and (ii) Saponification process?

Q. Explain esterification reaction.

Q. Give suitable reaction to show that trans esterification is an alcoholysis reaction.

Join BYJU'S Learning Program