When ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid in the presence of conc. H 2 SO 4 , a substance with fruity smell is produced. Answer the following:
(i) State the class of compounds to which the fruity smelling compounds belong. Write the chemical equation for the reaction and write the chemical name of the product formed.
(ii) State the role of conc. H 2 SO 4 .
Answer
(i) When ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid, ethyl ethanoate i.e. an ester i s formed. It is a sweet smelling compound. The reaction that takes place is:
(ii) The role of conc H 2 SO 4 in this is that it acts as a dehydrating agent which means it removes water molecules in the reaction.
