Question

Consider the following organic compounds:
\(\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{CHO}, \text{CH}_3\text{COOH}, \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH}, \text{CH}_3\text{COCH}_3\)
Give the chemical equation for the chemical reaction when \(\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}\) and \(\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH}\) react in the presence of conc. \(\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\).

Answer 1

Step 1: Identify the reaction
When acetic acid (\( \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} \)) reacts with ethanol (\( \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} \)) in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid (\( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \)), an esterification reaction occurs, resulting in the formation of an ester and water.

Step 2: Write the chemical equation
The reaction is an example of a condensation reaction, where acetic acid and ethanol form ethyl acetate (\( \text{CH}_3\text{COOCH}_2\text{C}_2\text{H}_5 \)) and water.
The chemical equation is as follows:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} \xrightarrow{\text{conc.} \, \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4} \text{CH}_3\text{COOCH}_2\text{C}_2\text{H}_5 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]

Step 3: Explanation
- The reaction involves the acid (acetic acid) and alcohol (ethanol) to form an ester (ethyl acetate) and water. 
- The concentrated sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst, facilitating the removal of water and driving the reaction to completion.