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Question:

Explain esterification reaction with the help of a chemical equation. Describe an activity to show esterification.

Solution:

When alcohol and acid react to form ester the reaction is termed as esterification. C2H5OH+CH3COOH→CH3COOC2H5
Activity: Take 1 ml of pure ethanol in a test tube and add 1ml of ethanoic acid to it. Then add 2 to 3 drops of concentrated sulphuric acid to the mixture. Warm the test tube. Pour the contents of the test tube in a 50ml of water taken in another beaker and smell it. A sweet smell is obtained which indicates the formation of ester.