Esterification

The Acidic Environment‎ > ‎

Esterification is a naturally occurring process which can be performed in the laboratory

Students learn to:

• describe the differences between the alkanol and alkanoic acid functional groups in carbon compounds
• identify the IUPAC nomenclature for describing the esters produced by reactions of straight-chained alkanoic acids from C1 to C8 and straight-chained primary alkanols from C1 to C8
• explain the difference in melting point and boiling point caused by straight-chained alkanoic acid and straight-chained primary alkanol structures
• identify esterification as the reaction between an acid and an alkanol and describe, using equations, examples of esterification
• describe the purpose of using acid in esterification for catalysis
• explain the need for refluxing during esterification
• outline some examples of the occurrence, production and uses of esters

Students:

• identify data, plan, select equipment and perform a first-hand investigation to prepare an ester using reflux
• process information from secondary sources to identify and describe the uses of esters as flavours and perfumes in processed foods and cosmetics