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A LevelChemistryCIERevision Notes18. Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives18.2 EstersEsters

Esters (CIE A Level Chemistry)

Revision Note

Philippa Platt

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Production of Esters

  • Esters are compounds with an -COOR functional group and are characterised by their sweet and fruity smells
  • They are prepared from the condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid and alcohol with concentrated H2SO4 as catalyst
    • This is also called esterification

  • The first part of the ester’s name comes from the alcohol and the second part of the name comes from the carboxylic acid
    • E.g. Propanol and ethanoic acid will give the ester propyl ethanoate

 Example esterification reaction 

Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives Production of Esters, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Esters are formed from the condensation reaction between carboxylic acids and alcohols

Hydrolysis of Esters

  • Esters can be hydrolysed to reform the carboxylic acid and alcohol by either dilute acid or dilute alkali and heat
  • When an ester is heated under reflux with dilute acid (eg. sulfuric acid) an equilibrium mixture is established as the reaction is reversible

 Example acid hydrolysis of an ester

ester-hydrolysis-acidic

Ester hydrolysis by dilute acid is a reversible reaction forming carboxylic acid and alcohol

  • However, heating the ester under reflux with dilute alkali (eg. sodium hydroxide) is an irreversible reaction as the ester is fully hydrolysed
  • This results in the formation of a sodium carboxylate salt which needs further acidification to turn into a carboxylic acid
    • The sodium carboxylate (-COO-) ion needs to get protonated by an acid (such as HCl) to form the carboxylic acid (-COOH)

Example alkaline hydrolysis of an ester

ester-hydrolysis-alkaline

Ester hydrolysis by dilute alkali is an irreversible reaction forming a sodium carboxylate salt and alcohol

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    Philippa Platt

    Author: Philippa Platt

    Expertise: Chemistry

    Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener.