Chapter 12, Problem 7Q

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The mechanism for the acid-catalyzed esterification of acetic acid with isopentyl alcohol needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Ester is an organic compound with the general formula RCOOR. It can be formed by the reaction of carboxylic acid with alcohol in the presence of acidic medium. This reaction is called as esterification reaction. The esterification reaction of acetic acid with isopentyl alcohol forms isopentyl acetate. The chemical equation can be written as:

  ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{COOH + (CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{)}}_{\text{2}}{\text{-CH}}_{\text{2}}{\text{-CH}}_{\text{2}}\text{-OH}\rightleftarrows {\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{COOCH}}_{\text{2}}{\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}{\text{CH(CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{)}}_{\text{2}}{\text{+H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$