Chapter 22.3, Problem 15SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The products formed from the condensation reaction between carboxylic acid and an alcohol needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

In a condensation reaction, removal of water molecule takes place. Thus, ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ will be the byproduct of the reaction.

Explanation of Solution

Let’s take the general representation of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol as RCOOH and R’OH respectively.

The condensation reaction between acid and alcohol is represented as follows:

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

Here, $\text{RCOOR'}$ is an ester with functional group −COOR.

The mechanism for the reaction is represented as follows:

Thus, the products formed after the condensation reaction of a carboxylic acid and alcohol are ester and water.