Question

what are esters?How are esters prepaired?write the chemical equation for the reaction involved. what happens when an ester reacts with sodium hydroxide?write the chemical equation for the reaction and also state the name and use of this reaction.

Answer 1

Esters are sweet smelling substance which are used in the preparation of perfumes. They are formed by the reaction of alcohol and carboxylic acid in the presence of sulphuric acid as a catalyst.
The chemical equation involved--
C2H5OH+CH3COOH--> CH3COOC2H5+H2O

when an ester reacts with sodium hydroxide form sodium ethanoate (CH3COONa) as the main product and ethanol (C2H5OH).
Chemical equation for reaction--
CH3COOC2H5+NaOH--> CH3COONa+C2H5OH+Heat.
This reaction is known as saponification reaction and this reaction is used in the production of soap.