BRAINCAKEEsterification
A carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol to form an ester and water. This is esterification. The mixture is warmed with a strong acid catalyst, usually a few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid.
RCOOH + R′OH ⇌ RCOOR′ + H2O
Example: ethanoic acid and ethanol form ethyl ethanoate:
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More in Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives
- Carboxylic Acids
- Naming Carboxylic Acids
- Carboxylic Acids as Weak Acids
- Reaction with Carbonates
- Naming Esters
- Uses of Esters
- Hydrolysis of Esters
- Vegetable Oils and Fats
All 16 lessons in Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives · All AQA A-level Chemistry topics