Esters

• What is the key feature of esters?

  They have a COO group
• What is the functional group of esters called?

  COO group
• How are the smells of esters typically described?

  As sweet or fruity
• Why are esters commonly found in perfumes?

  They have pleasant smells
• What property of esters allows them to evaporate easily?

  They are volatile
• What are two common uses of esters?

  In perfumes and food flavorings
• What two substances are needed to make an ester?

  A carboxylic acid and an alcohol
• What is the name of the ester made from ethanoic acid and ethanol?

  Ethyl ethanoate
• What role does concentrated sulfuric acid play in ester formation?

  It acts as an acid catalyst
• What happens to the carboxylic acid during ester formation?

  It loses its OH group
• What does the alcohol lose during the ester formation reaction?

  Hydrogen from its OH group
• What is formed as a byproduct of the ester formation reaction?

  A water molecule
• What is another name for the COO group in esters?

  Esther link
• How does the COO group function in esters?

  It links the carboxylic acid and alcohol
• What is the process of ester formation?

  • Combine a carboxylic acid and an alcohol
  • Use an acid catalyst (e.g., concentrated sulfuric acid)
  • Carboxylic acid loses OH group
  • Alcohol loses H from its OH group
  • Water molecule is formed as a byproduct
• What are the characteristics of esters?

  • Have a COO functional group
  • Pleasant smells (sweet or fruity)
  • Volatile (evaporate easily)
  • Commonly used in perfumes and food flavorings