4(g) Esters

Question 1

Functional Group

Answer 1

-COO

Question 2

What is ethyl ethanoate?

Answer 2

An ester
Formed when ethanol + ethanoic acid react in the presence of an acid catalyst

Question 3

How are esters formed?

Answer 3

-OH comes off carboxylic acid
-H comes off alcohol
FORMS WATER

Question 4

General equation for formation of esters

Answer 4

Carboxylic Acid + Alcohol ⇌ Ester + Water

Question 5

How to make a simple ester: Ethyl Ethanoate

Answer 5

1. Heat Ethanoic Acid + Ethanol + few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid (catalyst)

This is Esterification + Condensation
Reversible
To maximise yield of ethyl ethanoate, pure ethanol + ethanoic acid is used

Question 6

Esterification

Answer 6

A chemical reaction where an alcohol and a carboxylic acid react together to form an ester

Question 7

Uses of esters

Answer 7

Volatile (vaporise easily
Solvents

Used for food flavourings + perfumes