Question

(a)
Distinguish between esterification and saponification reactions
with the help of chemical equations for each.
b) With a labelled diagram describe in brief an activity to show the
formation of an ester.
​

Answer 1

Esterification: A process in which an alcohol and a carboxylic acid react in the presence of conc. ... Saponification: A process in which an ester reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium salt of an acid and alcohol. An ester reacts in the presence of an acid or a base to give back the alcohol and carboxylic acid.

Answer 2

(a) Esterification and saponification reactions are distinguished with the help of chemical equations.

i) Esterification: A process in which an alcohol and a carboxylic acid react in the presence of conc. H2SO4 to form an ester.

CH3COOH + C2H5OH → CH3COOC2H5 + H2O

ii) Saponification: A process in which an ester reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium salt of an acid and alcohol. An ester reacts in the presence of an acid or a base to give back the alcohol and carboxylic acid.

CH3COOC2H5 + NaOH → C2H5OH + CH3COONa

b) With a labelled diagram an activity to show the formation of an ester is described.