Question

The combination of which of the following compounds will give an ester?

• A. Methanone and propanal
• B. Methanal and propanol
• C. Methanol and propanoic acid
• D. Methanone and formic acid

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Methanol and propanoic acid

Esters are obtained from the reaction between carboxylic acid and alcohols. The reaction between methanol and propanoic acid in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid leads to the formation of methyl propanoate, an ester.

$C{H}_{3}OH\left(aq\right)+C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}COOH\left(aq\right)\to C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}COOC{H}_3\left(aq\right)+H_{2}O\left(l\right)$