Esters

• What is the key feature of esters?

  Esters have a $-COO$ group, which is their functional group.
• What is a distinctive property of esters?

  Esters tend to have pleasant smells often described as sweet or fruity.
• Why are esters commonly found in perfumes and food flavorings?

  Esters are volatile, meaning they evaporate easily, contributing to their pleasant smells.
• What are the two main reactants needed to make an ester?

  • Carboxylic acid
  • Alcohol
• What are the reactants used to make ethyl ethanoate?

  Ethanoic acid and ethanol are used to make ethyl ethanoate.
• What is the role of an acid catalyst in the formation of esters?


  An acid catalyst speeds up the reaction to form esters.
• What is the commonly used acid catalyst for ester formation?

  Concentrated sulfuric acid is commonly used as an acid catalyst.
• What happens to the carboxylic acid and alcohol during the esterification reaction?

  • The carboxylic acid loses its $-OH$ group.
  • The alcohol loses the hydrogen from its $-OH$ group.
  • Together, these form a water molecule as a byproduct.
• What is the byproduct of the esterification reaction?

  The byproduct of the reaction is a water molecule.
• What are the alternative names for the $-COO$ group in esters?


  The $-COO$ group can be called an ester group or an ester link.
• What is the general significance of esters in everyday products?

  • Esters are commonly found in perfumes.
  • Esters are used in food flavorings.
  • Esters have pleasant smells.