Question

distinguish between esterification and saponification reactions of organic compounds

Answer 1

In the esterification reaction an acid reacts with alcohol in the pressure of conc. H2SO4 to form an ester

with a pleasant or fruity smell. For example,

                               CH3COOH   +  CH3CH2OH     CH3COOC2H5   +  H2O

                                Ethanoic acid        Ethanol                        Ethyl ethanoate (ester)

Saponification is quite different from esterification because in this case an ester reacts with an alkali

(NaOH or KOH) to form salt of acid and alcohol. For example,

                                CH3COOC2H5 + NaOH  →  CH3COONa + C2H5OH

                                Ethyl ethanoate                    Sod. ethanoate       Ethanol