Esters: Nomenclature and Synthesis
This page covers the naming and production of esters, which are important organic compounds.
Kwas metanowy wzór is HCOOH, and esters derived from it are named as methanates. For example, HCOOCH2CH3 is ethyl methanate. Esters are generally named by combining the name of the acid with the alkyl group from the alcohol.
Esters can be synthesized through two main reactions:
- Carboxylic acid + alcohol/phenol reaction
- Acid anhydride + alcohol/phenol reaction
Example: CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH → CH3COOCH2CH3 + H2O
This reaction produces ethyl ethanoate ethylacetate and water.
Inorganic acids can also form esters. For instance, sulfuric acid reacts with ethanol to form diethyl sulfate:
H2SO4 + 2CH3CH2OH → CH3CH2O2SO2 + 2H2O
Highlight: Esterification reactions often require an acid catalyst to increase yield.