Chapter 19, Problem 81AE

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The unknown reactants in the esterification reaction has to be identified from the given product, ethyl formate.

Concept Introduction:

Carboxylic acids are organic acids because the hydrogen in the carboxyl functional group is acidic. These acids are not strong as compared to the mineral acids. The carboxyl functional group in the carboxylic acids can be written as follows.

Reaction of carboxylic acids with alcohols:

The carboxylic acids can react with alcohols in the presence of an acid-catalyst to form ester and water. This reaction is called esterification reaction which is a reversible reaction.

The general chemical reactions for the reaction between carboxylic acids and alcohols are shown below.

$\text{RCOOH + R'OH}\underset{}{\overset{{\text{H}}^{\text{+}}}{\rightleftharpoons }}\text{RCOOR'}\text{+}{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The unknown reactants in the esterification reaction has to be identified from the given product, methyl propanoate.

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (a).

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The unknown reactants in the esterification reaction has to be identified from the given product, $n\text{-propyl}\text{benzoate}$.

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (a).