Esterification - Meaning, Definition, Examples, Uses, FAQs

Esterification

Esterification is a chemical reaction in which a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst (usually concentrated sulphuric acid) to form an ester and water.

Carboxylic acid + Alcohol $\xrightarrow{\text { conc. } \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{SO}_4}$ Ester + Water

This reaction is reversible, and the esters formed often have pleasant fruity smells, which is why esterification is important in making perfumes, flavouring agents, medicines, and plastics.

The compound is produced by a reaction between a carboxylic acid reaction and an alkyl (alkoxy) group in an acid (organic or inorganic). They have a crucial role in biology, comprising the bulk of animal fats and vegetable oils, and are one of the main classes of lipids. Aromatic esters typically have a pleasing smell; low-molecular-weight esters are commonly found in pheromones and essential oils as fragrances. In recent decades, they have become one of the most important synthetic lubricants on the commercial market and serve as excellent solvents for a broad spectrum of plastics, plasticizers, resins, and lacquers. The backbone of DNA molecules is formed by phosphodiester. The explosive properties of nitro glycerine and other nitrate esters are well known.

Examples of Esterification Reaction

In the process of forming the ester, a chemical reaction takes place called esterification.

A chemical reaction that results in the formation of at least one ester product occurs when an organic acid alcohol (RCOOH) is combined with an alcohol (ROH) to form an ester (RCOOR) and water. Carboxylic acid reactions and alcohol are esterified to produce an ester.

Here is an explanation of the esterification chemical reaction.

Read more :

• NCERT notes Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 11 Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
• NCERT solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 11 Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
• NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Chemistry solutions Chapter 11 Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

Properties of Esters

• As a result of the esterification reaction, an ester is named after its carboxylic acid reactions.
• An enjoyable smell emanates from them.
• The food and perfume industries use them extensively.
• Oils and fats contain esters, which are organic compounds.

Uses of Esters

Here are some examples of common ester applications.

• Food flavourings, perfumes, and cosmetics use esters that contain fragrant compounds.
• A solvent for organics.
• The explosive properties of nitrogen glycerine have made it famous.
• Detergents, soaps, and detergents contain surfactants.
• Ester compounds are found in pheromones naturally
• DNA is made of phosphate esters, which form the backbone of the molecule.
• Plastics are produced using polyesters

IUPAC nomenclature

Inorganic and organic acids may both exist as parent acids of esters, where the latter comes from the parent alcohol. Esters are derived from one or more complex carboxylic acid reactions are more commonly specified using the systematic IUPAC names, which are derived from naming the acids followed by "-oate".

In the IUPAC system, esters are named as alkyl alkanoates. The name has two parts:

Alkyl group name → derived from the alcohol (named first)

Alkanoate name → derived from the carboxylic acid (named second, with the ending -oic acid changed to -oate)

Steps for Naming an Ester

• Identify the alkyl group attached to the oxygen atom (from the alcohol).
• Identify the parent acid part of the ester.
• Replace -oic acid of the acid with -oate.
• Write the name as: Alkyl + Alkanoate

General Formula: $\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{COO}-\mathrm{R} \prime$

Examples:

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Some Solved Example

Question 1: Esterification of ethanol with acetic acid in the presence of conc. H2SO4\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4H2​SO4​ is an example of:

A. Irreversible reaction
B. Reversible reaction
C. Redox reaction
D. Neutralisation reaction

Solution:

Esterification is a reversible reaction because ester and water can react back to form alcohol and acid.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B)

Question 2: Which of the following is the correct product when methanol reacts with ethanoic acid?

A. Ethyl methanoate
B. Methyl ethanoate
C. Ethyl ethanoic acid
D. Methanoic ester

Solution:

Alcohol → methanol → methyl
Acid → ethanoic acid → ethanoate
So product = methyl ethanoate

Hence, the correct answer is option (B)

Question 3: The role of concentrated sulphuric acid in esterification is to:

A. Act as a catalyst only
B. Act as a dehydrating agent only
C. Act as both catalyst and dehydrating agent
D. Increase temperature of reaction

Solution:

Conc. $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{SO}_4$
speeds up the reaction (catalyst)
removes water formed (dehydrating agent)

Hence, the correct answer is option (C)

Question 4: Which of the following will increase the yield of ester in esterification?

A. Adding excess water
B. Removing ester as it is formed
C. Using dilute acid
D. Lowering temperature

Solution:

According to Le Chatelier’s principle, removing ester shifts equilibrium forward, increasing yield.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B)