L3 - Esters and Atom Economy
Introduction
In the last lesson, you looked at a process called esterification that a carboxylic acid undergoes in order to produce an ester. The hydroxyl group is displaced by the alcohol when the alcohol also gives up the hydrogen on the OH-group.
The products of this reaction is always an ester and water. Esters occur naturally, but can be made in the laboratory by reacting an alcohol with an organic acid. A little sulfuric acid is needed as a catalyst. Here is the introductory video on esters from last lesson. It is still a great recap before proceeding to learn more about esters. Keep in mind the common acids introduced so that you are able to easily name acids in the future. |
Consider the following questions as you complete this lesson:
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What are esters?
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How are esters involved in the petrochemical industry?