Question

What is esterification?

Answer 1

Esterification:

• When the reaction of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol in presence of an acidic medium results in the formation of ester and it is known as esterification.
• Ester is a sweet-smelling compound.

For example:

• When ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol then it results in the formation of ester.
• The chemical reaction is as follows:

${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{OH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to {\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{COOCH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_3\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)$

Uses:

• For making flavors and fragrances.
• For making perfumes and cosmetics.
• For making medicines.