Chapter U2.34, Problem 5E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The conversion of acetic acid to an ester needs to be explained.

Concept introduction: The reaction which results in the formation of at least one ester along with water on heating acids with alcohols in presence of an acid catalyst is said to be esterification.

Answer to Problem 5E

Explanation of Solution

The general reaction for the esterification is written as:

$\begin{array}{l}\text{RCOOH}{\text{+ R}}^{\text{'}}\text{OH}\stackrel{\text{Δ}}{\to }{\text{RCOOR}}^{\text{'}}\text{+}{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\\ \text{Acid}\text{Alcohol}\text{Ester}\text{water}\end{array}$

Thus, the reaction between methyl alcohol and acetic acid is:

The mechanism for the reaction is: