Esters

• What are esters?

  Organic compounds formed by the reaction of an alcohol with a carboxylic acid.
• functional group of esters:

  -COO-
• reaction of carboxylic acid + alcohol

  carboxylic acid + alcohol -> ester + water
• what conditions are needed for an ester to form?

  heat, concentrated sulphuric acid catalyst
• where can esters be used?

  they are volatile, so they can be used in flavourings and perfumes
• Required Practical: making an ester

  1. Add alcohol to carboxylic acid
  2. Add few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid as a catalyst
  3. Warm
  4. Add sodium carbonate to neutralise excess acid and aqueous separate
  5. Ester forms on top of water as it is less dense