esters & polyesters

Question 1

how are esters formed?

Answer 1

by reacting alcohols and carboxylic acids

Question 2

Why is the formation of esters also called condensation?

Answer 2

because, as an ester is formed, a single molecule of water is also removed

Question 3

what kind of catalyst can we use to speed up this process and what is an example of one?

Answer 3

We can use a strong acid (ex H₂SO₄)

Question 4

Esters have distinctive smells and tastes. How is this helpful/how can esters be used?

Answer 4

Esters can be used in food flavourings.

Question 5

How do we name esters? Ex: Ethanol + propanoic acid -> ?

Answer 5

Ethylpropanoate (alcohol first, then carboxylic acid with suffix -oate) + water

Question 6

How else can we increase the rate of reaction for esters beside a catalyst?

Answer 6

we can increase the temp. (to about 70 C)
We need to constantly stir (as the reactants are immiscible)

Question 7

What is a polyester?

Answer 7

lots of esters joined together

Question 8

Diacids and diols are required to form polyesters. What is meant by diacids?

Answer 8

Diacids contain 2 COOH groups instead of 1, one on either side so they can form a repeating chain with other molecules.

Question 9

Diacids and diols are required to form polyesters. What is meant by a diol?

Answer 9

Diols have 2 OH groups instead of 1, one on either side so they can form a repeating chain with other molecules.

Question 10

What is the name for the polymerisation of esters?

Answer 10

Condensation polymerisation