Esters Flashcards
1
Q
What is the fuctional group of an ester?
A
- COO -
- In the middle of the compound
2
Q
How are esters formed?
A
- An ester formes when an alcohol and carboxylic acid react together
- An acid catalyst is usually used (concentrated sulfuric acid)
3
Q
Alcohol + carboxylic acid
A
= ester + water
- using acid catalyst
4
Q
How is water formed when an ester is procuded?
A
- The carboxylic acid loses its OH group, and the alcohol loses the H from its OH group. These then combine to form water (H2O)
- The remaining carboxylix acid and alcohol join to form an ester with the C=O-O ester link
5
Q
What is the ester link
A
O=C-O
6
Q
Ethanol + ethanoic acid
A
= ethyl ehanoate + water
7
Q
What are the properties and uses of esters?
A
- Esters have a sweet or fruity smell: they are used in perfumes or food flavourings
- Esters are volatile (they evaporate easily)
