Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives: Carboxylic Acids and Esters - Uses of Esters

Question 1

List the different uses of esters

Answer 1

• Flavourings
• Perfumes
• Solvents
• Plasticisers

Question 2

Why are esters used in flavourings and perfumes?

Answer 2

• Esters have sweet smells
• Used for scent in perfumes
• Add flavours to food and drink

Question 3

Why are esters used as solvents?

Answer 3

• Esters are polar liquids, so many polar organic compounds dissolve in them
• Low boiling points, so evaporate easily from mixtures
• Good solvents in glues and printing inks

Question 4

Why are esters used as plasticisers?

Answer 4

• When added to plastics during polymerisation, they make them more flexible