Chapter 25, Problem 69IAE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The mechanism of esterification reaction needs to be shown by explaining the difference in the water molecule formed in the product in esterification reaction and water molecule formed in an acid-base reaction.

Concept introduction:

In an acid-base reaction, acid reacts with base to form water and salt. The reaction is represented as follows:

$\text{HA}+\text{BOH}\to \text{AB}+{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$

From the above it is clear that water is formed from the ionizable hydrogen atom of acid and hydroxide group of base present in the reactant side.

The formation of ester from carboxylic acid and alcohol is represented as follows:

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