A pleasant-smelling compound is formed when ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid. What is this reaction called?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Esterification
Ethanol is an alcohol and ethanoic acid is a carboxylic acid. They react, usually in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid, to form an ester and water. The ester formed is ethyl ethanoate, which has a pleasant smell. This reaction is called esterification. In neutralisation, an acid and a base form a salt and water, not an ester.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Esterification
Why is this the correct answer?
Ethanol is an alcohol and ethanoic acid is a carboxylic acid. They react, usually in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid, to form an ester and water. The ester formed is ethyl ethanoate, which has a pleasant smell. This reaction is called esterification. In neutralisation, an acid and a base form a salt and water, not an ester.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Carbon and its Compounds.
