Chapter 21, Problem 104E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The position of $\text{oxygen-18}$ in the ester product formed by reaction between acetic acid and methanol (contains only $\text{oxygen-18}$) is to be shown.

Concept introduction:

Carboxylic acid reacts with alcohol to form an ester. This reaction is known as a condensation reaction. In this reaction, a water molecule is lost. The general structure of an ester is as follows:

Here, R and ${\text{R}}^{\text{'}}$ represents alkyl groups. In an ester, both $\text{R}$ groups may be the similar or different. In an ester, the carboxyl bonded alkyl group is derived from the carboxylic acid and the alkyl group that is directly bonded to the oxygen $\left(\text{O}\right)$ atom is derived from the alcohol.