Nature's Chemistry: Esters, Fats and Oils Flashcards
Esters are formed by what?
The condensation reaction of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid
What happens in a condensation reaction?
Two molecules come together to form a larger molecule and a small molecule, such as water
The name of an ester comes from what two things?
The alcohol and carboxylic acid from which it is formed
Reacting ethanol and methanoic acid produces what ester?
Ethyl methanoate
Breaking down an ester is an example of what type of reaction?
A hydrolysis reaction
Esters often have what and are used for what?
Fruity smells and tastes.
Used as flavourings and scents.
Esters are insoluble in water and can be used as what?
Solvents for non-polar compounds
Edible fats and edible oils are examples of what?
Esters formed from the reaction of glycerol with three fatty acids
What is the systematic name of glycerol?
Propane-1,2,3-triol
Fat molecules are mainly saturated and can pack closely together making them what?
Solid at room temperature as there are lots of intermolecular forces of attraction (LDF) holding the molecules together
Oil molecules have a large number of double bonds and cannot pack closely together making them what?
Liquids at room temperature as there are fewer intermolecular forces of attraction between the molecules
The degree of unsaturation in an oil can be measured by what?
Reacting an oil with bromine solution.
The more bromine solution required to react, the more double bonds present.
Oils with a high degree of unsaturation will have what?
Lower melting points than those with a lower degree of unsaturation
Edible fats and edible oils are essential in the diet for what?
Dissolving and transporting fat soluble vitamins.
They are also a source of energy.
