Question

When ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid in the presence of conc. $H_{2}S{O}_4$, a substance with the fruity smell is produced.

(i) State the compounds to which fruity-smelling compounds belong. Write the chemical equation for the reaction and write the chemical name of the product formed.

(ii) State the role of conc. $H_{2}S{O}_4$ in this reaction.

Answer 1

(i) The fruity smelling compounds belong to the class of esters (Ethyl acetate).

The reaction of an alcohol with an acid to from ester and water is called as esterification.

$C{H}_{3}COOH$ (Ethanoic acid)$+C_2{H}_{5}OH$(Ethanol) $\to C{H}_{3}COO{C}_2{H}_5$ (Ethyl Acetate) $+H_{2}O$

Here, the ester formed is Ethyl Acetate. It is a sweet smelling ester.

(ii) The concentrated $H_{2}S{O}_4$ acts as a catalyst and a dehydrating agent and helps in the removal of water formed in the reaction between alcohol and carboxylic acid.