17.3.4 - Esters

Question 1

Where do the two different words come from when naming esters?

Answer 1

1st word = alkyl group joined to O
2nd word = alkyl group attached to C

Question 2

What is the name of this ester:
CH3COOCH3

Answer 2

methyl ethanoate

Question 3

Physical properties of esters.

Answer 3

Relatively low melting and boiling points.
Insoluble in water.

Question 4

What are the conditions for hydrolysis of esters in acidic solution?

Answer 4

warm with water
sulfuric acid catalyst

Question 5

What are the conditions for hydrolysis of esters in alkaline solution?

Answer 5

Sodium hydroxide
Then hydrogen ions to convert carboxylate salt into carboxylic acid.

Question 6

Why does the hydrolysis of an ester in alkaline solution give a better yield than in acidic solution?

Answer 6

The reaction goes to completion
In acid hydrolysis, the reaction reaches equilibrium

Question 7

What compounds react with sodium hydrogen carbonate to form Co2 and water as products?

Answer 7

Carboxylic acids

Question 8

What are 3 differences between the acidic and alkaline hydrolysis of esters?

Answer 8

Acidic - The acid acts as a catalyst, not a reactant.
Acidic - The reaction does not go to completion, whereas it does for alkaline hydrolysis.
Alkaline - A carboxylic acid salt is formed