The formation of ester from acetic acid in presence of acid and ethanol is a:
Correct answer: A. Nucleophilic substitution reaction
- A. Nucleophilic substitution reaction
- B. Nucleophilic addition reaction
- C. Electrophilic substitution reaction
- D. Electrophilic addition reaction
Explanation
Carboxylic acids react with alcohols in presence of acid as catalyst and form esters (esterification). The mechanism of esterification is (step 1) protonation of carboxylic acid, and (step 2) attack by nucleophile. Another way to understand this would be that the -OH nucleophile of a carboxylic acid is replaced by the -OR nucleophile from the deprotonated alcohol. This exchange of nucleophiles constitutes a nucleophilic substitution reaction.
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About Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic acids are named and studied through the combined effects of the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, their preparation, acidity and hydrogen bonding. Reactions include neutralisation, esterification, reduction and conversion into acid chlorides, anhydrides, esters and amides, with emphasis on how these derivatives interconvert.
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