18.2 Esters

Question 1

Production of esters

Condensation reaction (Esterification)

Answer 1

Alcohol + carboxylic acid = ester
- first part of esters name comes from alcohol and second part from carboxylic acid
- OH is removed from carboxylic acid and H from alcohol (H2O)
- H2SO4 catalyst

Question 2

Reactions of esters
Hydrolysis of esters (by either dilute acid or dilute alkali and heat + acidification)

Answer 2

1) Ester + water + H+ = carboxylic acid + alcohol
2) Ester + NaOH = sodium carboxylate salt + alcohol

*sodium carboxylate salt can be acidified to form carboxylic acid