Question

Write the condensed structural formula of the ester formed when each Of the following reacts with methanol. For example, the ester formed when propanoic acid (CH3CH2COOH) reacts With methanol (HOCH3) is CH3CH2COOCH3.

a. acetic acid (CH3COOH)
b. butanoic acid

Answer 1

1. Methyl ethanoate i.e CH3COOCH3

2. Methyl butanoate i.e CH3CH2CH2COOCH3

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction between an organic acid and alcohol is called esterification in which an ester is formed along side with water.

Thus, the name ester formed can be obtained as follow:

1. Reaction of acetic acid, CH3COOH with methanol, CH3OH.

CH3COOH + HOCH3 –> CH3COOCH3 + H2O

The name of the ester formed is methyl ethanoate i.e CH3COOCH3

2. Reaction of butanoic acid, CH3CH2CH2COOH with methanol, CH3OH.

CH3CH2CH2COOH + HOCH3 —> CH3CH2CH2COOCH3 + H2O

The name of the ester formed is methyl butanoate i.e CH3CH2CH2COOCH3