Question

When acetic acid reacts with ethyl alcohol, we add $\mathrm{Conc}.{\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$ it acts as ___________ and the process is called __________.

• A. dehydrating agent
• B. esterification

Answer 1

when acetic acid reacts with ethyl alcohol, we add $\mathrm{Conc}.{\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$ it acts as a dehydrating agent and the process is called esterification.

Dehydrating agent

• It is a substance that removes water from a substance.
• Concentrated Sulphuric acid acts as a dehydrating agent in chemical reactions. It is also used as a catalyst.

Esterification

• “The reaction of a carboxylic acid and alcohol to give esters is called esterification.”
• Acetic acid reacts with Ethyl alcohol to give an ester as given in the reaction.

${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}+{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OH}\to {\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{COOC}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$

• It is a reversible reaction.