Esters are sweet-smelling substances and are used in making perfumes. Describe an activity for the preparation of an ester with the help of a well labelled diagram. Write an equation for the chemical reaction involved in the formation of the ester. Also, write the names of all the substances involved in the process of esterification.

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Activity:

� Take 1 mL ethanol (absolute alcohol) and 1 mL glacial acetic acid along with a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid in a test tube.

� Warm in a water-bath for at least five minutes.

� Pour into a beaker containing 20-50 mL of water and smell the resulting mixture.

� A sweet smell is obtained indicating the formation of ester.