Question

When ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid in the presence of conc. H₂SO₄, a substance with fruity smell is produced. Answer the following:-

(i) State the class of compounds to which the fruity smelling compounds belong. Write the chemical equation for the reaction and write the chemical name of the product formed.

(ii) State the role of conc. H₂SO₄ in the reaction.

Answer 1

(i). An ester is formed when an alcohol reacts with a carboxylic acid in the presence of an acidic medium. An ester has a fruity smell.

The chemical equation for the reaction between ethanol and ethanoic acid in the presence of conc. H₂SO₄ can be written as follows:-

(ii). Concentrated sulphuric acid acts as a protonating catalyst during the esterification reaction.