Question

Write the definition and mechanism of esterification of carboxylic acids. Write the chemical equations of the reactions of halogenation and nitration of benzoic acid.

Hint:

Esterification is a reversible reaction, and removal of water shifts equilibrium toward ester formation.

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition of Esterification Esterification is a chemical reaction where a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst to form an ester and water.

 Step 2: Mechanism of Esterification \[ R-COOH + R'-OH \xrightarrow{H_2SO_4} R-COO-R' + H_2O \] 

Step 3: Reactions of Benzoic Acid Halogenation Reaction: \[ C_6H_5COOH + Cl_2 \xrightarrow{FeCl_3} p-\text{Chlorobenzoic Acid} + HCl \] Nitration Reaction: \[ C_6H_5COOH + HNO_3 \xrightarrow{H_2SO_4} p-\text{Nitrobenzoic Acid} + H_2O \]