Lesson 10 of 15
An acid and an alcohol make an ester
Show on a big screenMany fruit and flower smells come from esters. Perfume makers use them too. An ester forms from an acid and an alcohol.
Step 1 of 3
- Ethanoic acid and methanol are mixed.
- A little strong acid is added. A teacher warms it.
- An ester forms, with water.
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Pick an acid and an alcohol. Read the ester.
The rule
An acid and an alcohol make an ester and water. A little strong acid helps. Many esters smell fruity.
CH₃COOH + CH₃OH → CH₃COOCH₃ + H₂O
An ester is a compound made from an acid and an alcohol. This reaction is esterification. The strong acid is a helper. It is not used up.
An ester has two parents, the acid and the alcohol. The alcohol gives the first word. Methanol gives methyl. The acid gives the second word, ending in -oate. Ethanoic acid gives ethanoate. Methanol and ethanoic acid give methyl ethanoate.
| Acid | Alcohol | Ester |
|---|---|---|
| Ethanoic acid | Ethanol | Ethyl ethanoate |
| Ethanoic acid | Methanol | Methyl ethanoate |
| Methanoic acid | Ethanol | Ethyl methanoate |
| Methanoic acid | Methanol | Methyl methanoate |
Try the lab to finish this lesson.