TestUstad

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.

Written and checked by , M.Phil ChemistryLast updated
Report an error

The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.

Prefer email? [email protected]

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.

Practise Carboxylic Acids

552 free Carboxylic Acids MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Start a free Carboxylic Acids testAll Carboxylic Acids MCQs

Discussion

Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.

No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.

Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this

Chemistry is on 14 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Lecturer Chemistry Test Chemistry80 MCQsSubject Specialist Chemistry Test Chemistry80 MCQsDUHS Chemistry45 MCQsETEA MDCAT Chemistry45 MCQsKMU Chemistry45 MCQsMDCAT Chemistry45 MCQsNUMS Chemistry40 MCQsECAT Chemistry30 MCQsETEA Engineering Admission Test Chemistry30 MCQsGIKI Chemistry30 MCQsNED Chemistry30 MCQsNET Chemistry30 MCQsPIEAS Chemistry30 MCQsBSN Entry Test Chemistry25 MCQs

More Carboxylic Acids questions

The relative strength of carboxylic acid, water, ethanol, and phenol has the following order of increasing acid strength:

Acetamide is formed by dehydration of

Ethyl butyrate and butyl butanoate are esters with the flavor of:

Methyl cyanides, on boiling with mineral acids or alkalis yield:

What is the name of the given structural formula?

CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH ⇌ CH3COOC2H5 + H2O Which one of the following will act as a catalyst in the above reaction?