The reaction of ethanol with ethanoic acid in the presence of a little concentrated sulphuric acid produces
- A. an aldehyde
- B. an ester with a fruity smell
- C. an alkene
- D. a soap
Explanation
Esterification joins the acid and the alcohol with the loss of water, giving ethyl ethanoate, and the sulphuric acid acts both as catalyst and as a dehydrating agent to shift the equilibrium to the right. The reaction is reversible, so the yield is never complete. Esters of this kind are used as flavourings and solvents.
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