Question

Which of the following will give a pleasant smell of ester when heated with ethanol and a small quantity of sulphuric acid?

• A. $C{H}_{3}COOH$
• B. $C{H}_{2}C{H}_{2}OH$
• C. $C{H}_{3}OH$
• D. $C{H}_{3}CHO$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $C{H}_{3}COOH$

Ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid as a catalyst to produce the ester, ethyl ethanoate. The reaction is slow and reversible. To reduce the chances of the reverse reaction happening, the ester is distilled off as soon as it is formed.

$C{H}_{3}COOH+C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}OH\to C{H}_{3}COO{C}_2{H}_5+H_{2}O$ in presence of suphuric acid. Hence option A is the correct answer.