Question

Write an equation for the esterification of glycerol and three ethanoic acids.

a) (3C_2H_4O_2 + C_3H_8O_3 → C_9H_16O_6 + 3H_2O)
b) (2C_2H_4O_2 + C_3H_8O_3 → C_8H_14O_6 + 2H_2O)
c) (3C_2H_4O_2 + 2C_3H_8O_3 → 2C_9H_16O_6 + 5H_2O)
d) (2C_2H_4O_2 + 2C_3H_8O_3 → C_8H_14O_6 + 4H_2O)

Answer 1

The correct equation for the esterification of glycerol and three ethanoic acids is 3C2H4O2 + 2C3H8O3 → 2C9H16O6 + 5H2O. Therefore, the correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

This equation represents the esterification process, where glycerol (C₃H₈O₃) reacts with three molecules of ethanoic acid (C₂H₄O₂) to form two molecules of the ester (triacylglycerol) C₉H₁₆O₆ and five molecules of water (H₂O).

In this reaction, ester bonds are formed between the glycerol and ethanoic acid molecules, resulting in the production of triacylglycerol and water as byproducts. The coefficients in the balanced equation ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the reaction.

Therefore, the correct option is C.