Esters Flashcards
What type of reaction produces an ester?
Condensation.
What are the reactants in the reaction that produces an ester?
An alcohol and a carboxylic acid.
What is the name given to the process of producing an ester?
Esterification.
What are the distinctive features of an ester?
A characteristic smell and are immiscible in water.
What is the functional group in an ester called?
An ester link.
What atom is removed from the alcohol when it reacts with a carboxylic acid?
Hydrogen (H).
What atom is removed from the carboxylic acid when it reacts with an alcohol?
OH.
When producing an ester in the lab, why is a paper towel wrapped around the test tube?
It acts as a condenser as alcohols are volatile.
Why is a water bath used when heating reactants in this reaction?
As alcohols are flammable.
What are esters used for?
Solvents
Fragrance
Flavouring
How can the breaking up of an ester be achieved?
By heating the ester with an alkali.
