JAMB Chemistry 2011 Question 50

Question 50

Alkanoic Acids and Esters

CH3COOH + C2H5OH → CH3COOC2H5 + H2O (conc. H2SO4)
The reaction above is best described as

  1. A.esterification
  2. B.condensation
  3. C.saponification
  4. D.neutralization
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (esterification)

Explanation

An alkanoic acid reacting with an alkanol to give an ester and water is esterification.