Synthesis of Ester
Esterification is the process of combining an organic acid (RCOOH) with an alcohol (ROH) to form an ester (RCOOR) and by-product. The reaction is characterized by combining an acid and an alcohol (with an acid catalyst) to give an ester.
There are three main methods for esterification:
- Esterification of Carboxylic Acid and Alcohol
- Esterification of Anhydride
- Esterification of Acid Chloride
Let’s learn about them in detail.
Esterification of Carboxylic Acid and Alcohol
This method involves heating carboxylic acids with alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
Carboxylic Acid + Alcohol → Ester + Water
Example:
C6H5COOH + C2H5OH → C6H5COOC2H5 + H2O
Esterification of Anhydride
This method involves the reaction of an acid anhydride with an alcohol.
Anhydride + Alcohol → Ester + Carboxylic Acid
Example:
C6H5-CO-O-CO-C6H5 + C2H5-OH → C6H5-CO-O-C2H5 + C6H5-COOH
Esterification of Acid Chloride
This method involves the reaction of an acid chloride with an alcohol.
Acyl Chloride + Alcohol → Ester + Hydrogen Chloride
Example:
CH3COCl + CH3OH → CH3COOCH3 + HCl
This reaction is slow and reversible.
Hydrolysis of EstersEster Hydrolysis with NaOH
Ester hydrolysis is breaking down an ester into its constituent carboxylic acid and alcohol this takes place in an acidic or basic medium. The mechanisms of acid-catalyzed ester hydrolysis differ, with base-catalyzed hydrolysis being irreversible.
In this article, we look into what ester is, the hydrolysis of ester, its reaction, mechanism, application, etc.
Table of Content
- What is an Ester?
- What is Hydrolysis?
- Ester Hydrolysis
- Ester Hydrolysis with H2SO4
- Hydrolyzing Ester to Make Soap
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