Question

Consider the following organic compounds:

HCHO, C₂H₅OH, C₂H₆, CH₃COOH, C₂H₅Cl

Choose two compounds which can react in the presence of conc. H₂SO₄ to form an ester. Give the name and formula of the ester formed.

Answer 1

C₂H₅OH (ethanol) and CH₃COOH (ethanoic acid) are compounds that can react with each other in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid to form a sweet-smelling ester called ethyl ethanoate (CH₃COOC₂H₅).