JAMB Chemistry 1978 Question 19

Question 19

Alkanoic Acids and Esters

The reaction between an organic acid and an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst is known as:

  1. A.saponification
  2. B.dehydration
  3. C.esterification
  4. D.hydrolysis
  5. E.hydration
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (esterification)

Explanation

Acid + alcohol → ester + water; this is esterification.