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Esters are formed from the reaction of carboxylic acids and alcohols in the presence of a strong acid catalyst. Concentrated sulfuric acid is used as a catalyst and the reaction is known as esterification. The reaction is a condensation reaction. A molecule of water is removed to join the acid and alcohol together. A better yield can be obtained by gently heating acid anhydrides with alcohols
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Key terms in this lesson
- hydrolysis
- The breaking of a covalent bond by reaction with water, or with hydroxide ions in alkaline hydrolysis.
- condensation reaction
- A reaction in which two molecules join together with the elimination of a small molecule, usually water.
More in Carbonyl Compounds
- Reaction with Hydrogen Cyanide
- Silver Mirror Test
- 2,4-DNP Test for Carbonyl Compounds
- Carboxylic Acids
- Fats and Oils
- Health
- Acyl Chlorides
- Biodiesel
All 12 lessons in Carbonyl Compounds · All OCR A-level Organic Chemistry topics