Distinguish between esterification and saponification reactions with the
help of the chemical equations for each. State one use of each (i) esters,
and (ii) saponification process.
Answers
Soaps are molecules of sodium or potassium salts of long chain carboxylic ( fatty ) acids, which show cleansing properties in water.
Saponification is the alkali hydrolysis of esters or glycerine.
CH3COOC2H5 + NaOH = CH3COONa + C2H5OH
Reaction in which a carboxylic acid combines with an alcohol to form ester is called Esterification. Ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid on warming in the presence of few drops of conc. sulphuric acid to form a sweet smelling ester, ethyl ethanoate (ethyl acetate)
C2H5OH + CH3COOH = CH3COOC2H5 + H2O
Esters, obtained from esterification are used in the formation of soaps in the saponification process.
Esters are usually volatile liquids having a sweet fruity smell.They are used for making artificial perfumes and soaps. They are also used as a flavouring agent in making artificial flavours and essences usen in ice creams, cold drinks sweets etc.
Soaps obtained from saponification processes have cleansing properties.
Answer:
esterification reaction is the reaction between ethanol and ethanoic acid forming the sweet smelling substance called ester whereas saponification reaction is the conversion of esters into sodium salts of carboxylic acids and ethanol.
Esterification reaction
CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH ----------> CH3COOC2H5
sAPONIFICATION
CH3COOC2H5-------> (in the prescence of NaOH) CH3COONa + C2H5OH
ESTERS ARE USED IN PERFUMES AS THEY ARE SWEET SMELLING SUBSTANCES
saponification process is used to prepare soaps