Carboxylic acids Flashcards
(10 cards)
1
Q
how are esters produced?
A
reaction between carboxylic acid and alcohol (reversible reaction) forms ester and water
2
Q
what conditions are needed for esterification?
A
acidic - conc. H2SO4
3
Q
what process is used for esterification?
A
distillation
4
Q
why is distillation used for esterification?
A
to remove the ester product as it is formed and to prevent the reaction from occurring
5
Q
what type of reaction is esterification?
A
reversible
6
Q
equation for esterification?
A
7
Q
what is the role of the conc H2SO4 in esterification?
A
- speeds up the reaction
- is a dehydrating agent - removed H2O and shifts equilibrium to the right (therefore more ester produced)
8
Q
what do esters smell like?
A
are sweet smelling
9
Q
solubility of esters in water?
A
small esters are water-soluble. become less soluble as chain length increases (non-polar section becomes more significant)
10
Q
A
