Esters

What are they?

How are they made?
Formed when an alcohol reacts with a
carboxylic acid.
Very slow reaction, unless! an acid
catalyst used (usually sulphuric acid)
A condensation reaction
The condensation reaction between
the hydroxyl group and the carboxylic
acid known as esterification.
Reverse reaction = ester hydrolysis

Names of esters
end in oate.

Naming

Named after alcohol & carboxylic acid

from which they are derived.
O
C
CH3

CH2

CH3

lets name
some esters!

ethyl
this part comes from
the alcohol & is named
after it

ethanoate
this part from the
acid and is named
after it

Wait! Whats that smell?

ester
ethyl methanoate
3-methylbutyl ethanoate
ethyl 2-methylbutanoate
phenylmethyl ethanoate

fragrance
raspberries
pears
apples
jasmine

Esters have strong, sweet smells.

Their bouquet is often floral or fruity.
This means they are used in food flavourings &
perfumes.
Also, very good at dissolving organic
compounds so often used as solvents.