Question

When ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid in the presence of cone. H2SO4, a substance with fruity smell is produced. Answer the following:; (i) State the class of compounds to which the fruity- smelling compounds belong.; Write the chemical equation for the reaction and write the chemical name of the product formed.; (ii) State the role of cone. H2SO4 in this reaction.(Delhi - 2016)

Answer 1

i ) Ester
CH3CH2OH (ethanol) + CH3COOH (ethanoic acid ) —>(in présence of H2SO4) CH3COOCH2CH3 ( Ester - sweet /fruity smelling liquid ) + H2O (water)
ii ) conc. H2SO4 is used as a catalyst , and has dual role- speeds up the reaction and acts as a dehydrating agent

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