166k views
4 votes
What is the product of the reaction of butanoic acid and ethanol under acidic conditions?

User Shiloh
by
8.6k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The product of the reaction between butanoic acid and ethanol under acidic conditions is ethyl butanoate and water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction of butanoic acid (C3H7COOH) and ethanol (C2H5OH) under acidic conditions typically leads to the formation of an ester and water, in a process known as esterification. The product of this particular reaction is ethyl butanoate and water (H2O). The reaction equation for this esterification is:

CH3CH2CH2COOH + C2H5OH → CH3CH2CH2COOC2H5 + H2O

Ethyl butanoate is an ester commonly used in perfumes and as a flavoring agent due to its pleasant fruity odor.

User Pratiklodha
by
7.6k points