Section D Flashcards
What is an Ester?
A homologous series all containing a carboxyl group
What are esters made of?
A carboxyl group in a carboxylic acid and he hydroxyl group in an alcohol
How do you name an ester?
Name the alcohol
Change ‘anol’ to ‘yl’
Name the carboxylic acid
Change ‘oic acid’ to ‘oate’
What are uses of esters?
Perfumes
Flavourings
Solvents for non-polar compounds
How are esters identifies?
Sweet smell
What type of reaction forms an Ester?
Condensation
What is a condensation reaction?
A reaction where two molecules join together and eliminate a small molecule, usually water
How is the parent alcohol and carboxylic acid retrieved?
The condensation reaction is reversible so by hydrolysis the parents can be retrieved
What is a hydrolysis reaction?
A reaction in which a substance reacts with water to break down into smaller molecules
What are fats and oils?
An Ester
Why are fats and oils important?
- they are a concentrated source of energy
- they are essential for transporting and storing fat soluble vitamins
How are fats and oils formed?
A mixture of esters formed from glycerol and fatty acids, called triglycerides
What type of alcohol is glycerol?
A trihydric alcohol (because it contains three hydroxyl groups)
What is a fatty acid?
A straight chain carboxylic acid with, usually, a long chain of carbon atoms
What type of reaction forms fats and oils and how does it take place?
Condensation reaction
One glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules react together and three ester links are formed
