Question

The relative order of esterification of acids is :

• A. $RC{H}_{2}COOH>R_{2}CHCOOH>R_{3}CCOOH$
• B. $RC{H}_{2}COOH<R_{2}CHCOOH<R_{3}CCOOH$
• C. $RC{H}_{2}COOH<R_{3}CCOOH<R_{2}CHCOOH$
• D. $R_{3}CCOOH>RC{H}_{2}COOH>R_{2}CHCOOH$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$RC{H}_{2}COOH>R_{2}CHCOOH>R_{3}CCOOH$

As the number of R groups increases, the ease of esterification decreases.

Because in esterification alcohol acts as a nucleophile which attacks on electrophilic carbon of acid.

Hence, the decreasing order of esterification of acids is $RC{H}_{2}COOH>R_{2}CHCOOH>R_{3}CCOOH$.

Option A is correct.