Esters

Question 1

What is a carboxylic acid derivative?

Answer 1

Means that the new compound is synthesised from an identical compound, with the replacement of an atom or group.

Question 2

How are esters named?

Answer 2

Take the new end of -Oate and use the akyl group of the ester as the first word in naming.

Question 3

How can esters be formed with carboxylic acids? What reagants are needed?

Answer 3

The reaction of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. With the use of conc. H2SO4 as a catalyst, under reflux.

Question 4

How can esters be formed using acid anhydrides? (reactants and reagants)

Answer 4

Reaction of acid anhydrides with alcohols at room temp.

Question 5

What is an acid anhydride? How are they formed?

Answer 5

A derivative of carboxylic acid, formed by the reaction of a caboxylic acid and alkanoate, in which the -OH is substituted.

Question 6

How can acid be used to split an ester? What conditions are needed?

Answer 6

Hydrolisis with an acid, can be used to split esters into their constituent carboxylic acid and alcohol. Requires dilute acid and reflux.

Question 7

How can an alkali be used to split an ester? Conditions? How can a carboxylic acid be reformed?

Answer 7

Reflux of dilute alkali, will result in the formation of a carboxylate salt and alcohol. To form the inital carboxylic acid, an acidification step is required.

Question 8

What is the difference between acid hydrolisis and alkaline hydrolisis in terms of recation path?

Answer 8

Acid is reversable as the reaction cannot go to completion.
Alkaline is not reversable as the ester is completly hydrolised.