Question

What is true for the equilibrium reaction :
Acetic acid+ ethanol $\stackrel{H^{+}}{\rightleftharpoons }$ Ethyl acetate + $H_{2}O$ ?

• A. The use of equimolar quantities of ethanol and acetic acid will give greatest yield of ester at equilibrium.
• B. Removal of water will increase the amount of ester at equilibrium
• C. Addition of water ester at equilibrium will cause formation of equal amount of water
• D. Application of pressure increases the amount of ester at equilibrium

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

The use of equimolar quantities of ethanol and acetic acid will give greatest yield of ester at equilibrium.
Removal of water will increase the amount of ester at equilibrium

Option A is incorrect because generally $10:1or1:10$ is considered the best ratio for maximum yield of ester, and 1:1 yields only $70$% ester.

Option B) According to Le Chatelier's principle if the concentration of reactants is increased or the product is removed reaction will occur in the forward direction