Question

Distinguish between esterification and saponification reactions with the help of chemical equations for each.

Answer 1

Esterification	Saponification
1. It is a reaction in which carboxylic acids react with alcohols in the presence of conc. H2SO4	It is a reaction in which an ester reacts with an alkali.
2. The formation of a fruity smell compound takes place called an ester.	The formation of soap takes place.
3. It needs a catalyst for a reaction to occur.	No catalyst is required for the reaction to take place.
4. The chemical equation involved is: \[\ce{CH3COOH + C2H5OH ->[conc. H2SO4]CH3COOC2H5 + H2O}\]	The chemical equation involved is: \[\ce{CH3COOC2H5 + NaOH -> CH3COONa + C2H5OH}\]