Question

Write a balanced chemical equation for the following reaction:
ETHANOL is warmed with ETANOIC ACID to form ETHYL ACETATE in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid.

Answer 1

$\underline \bold{ANSWER}$

⚫The reaction of acetic acid on heating with an alcohol ( -ethanol) and a dehydrating agent $(conc. H_2SO_4 )$ gives ether-ethyl acetate is known as esteratification.

$\bold{ EQUATION :--}$

${CH_3COOH + C_2H_5OH \longrightarrow CH_3COOC_2H_5 +H _2O}$

◼It's a reversible reaction but to prevent it's reversibility prevent using sulphuric acid when the reaction is carried to completion by removal of water.

$\bold{Test \: for \: acetic \: acid}$

◼Ester having a fruity smell -serves as a test for acetic acid.