Esters

• What is the key feature of esters?

  Esters have a COO group as their functional group.
• What is a distinctive property of esters?

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

  Because they have pleasant smells and are volatile, meaning they evaporate easily.
• What two substances are needed to make an ester?

  A carboxylic acid and an alcohol are needed to make an ester.
• What are the reactants needed to produce ethyl ethanoate?

  Ethanoic acid and ethanol are needed to produce ethyl ethanoate.
• What is the role of the acid catalyst in the esterification reaction?

  The acid catalyst speeds up the reaction.
• What is the commonly used acid catalyst for making esters?

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

  The carboxylic acid loses its OH group and the alcohol loses a hydrogen from its OH group.
• What is formed as a byproduct of the esterification reaction?

  A water molecule is formed as a byproduct of the reaction.
• What alternative name can be used for the COO group in esters?

  The COO group can also be called an ester link.
• What is the process of making an ester from a carboxylic acid and an alcohol?

  • Combine a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
  • Use an acid catalyst (usually concentrated sulfuric acid).
  • The carboxylic acid loses its OH group.
  • The alcohol loses a hydrogen from its OH group.
  • A water molecule is formed as a byproduct.
• What are the common applications of esters?

  • Found in perfumes
  • Used in food flavorings