Esters

• Has a COO functional group
• Esterification

  Esters can be formed by reacting alcohols with carboxylic acid and acid anhydride

  This reaction is reversible so is removed by distillation

  To purify the ester you add sodium carbonate solution

  The top layer is the ester and can be removed through a filter funnel
• Esters are named in 2 sections

  First bit comes from alcohol

  The second bit comes from the carboxylic acid
• Naming esters

  The carboxylic acid part has suffix oate

  Alcohol is the alkyl group
• Esters can be hydrolysed by a base or an acid
• Acid hydrolysis

  Use dilute acid to form carboxylic acid and an alcohol

  Do this under reflux
• Base hydrolysis

  Use a dilute base to form a carboxylate ion and an alcohol

  This is done under reflux
• Polyesters are formed from diols and dicarboxylic acids