Esters Flashcards
1
Q
What are esters?
A
An organic compound formed by a condensation reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid, producing water as a byproduct. Esters contain the functional group -COO- (ester link)
2
Q
What are the features of esters?
A
pleasant smells, volatile (evaporate easily
therefore used in perfumes and food colourings
3
Q
What conditions are needed for an ester to form?
A
an acid catalyst is need (often concentrated sulfuric acid is used
4
Q
Describe what happens to the carboxylic acid and the alcohol when an ester forms?
A
carboxylic acid loses its OH group, alcohol loses the H from its OH group, forming water as a byproduct
