MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
SECONDARY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME
GRADE 11
CHEMISTRY
WEEK 9 LESSON 1
Topic: Esters
Sub-topic: Formation and hydrolysis of esters
Objectives: Given equations students will:
(iii) correctly explain the formation of esters.
(iv) accurately describe the hydrolysis of esters.
Content
Esters are liquids with pleasant, fruity scents. Esters and water are formed when alcohols react
with carboxylic acids. This reaction is called esterification, which is a reversible reaction. This
type of reaction is called a condensation reaction, which means that water molecules are
eliminated during the reaction. The conditions for esterification are:
- concentrated sulfuric acid as a catalyst
- reflux at 180°C
Functional group: -COOR
Where R represents an alkyl group
Esterification
Ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol to form the ester ethyl ethanoate
This reaction takes place in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid which acts as a catalyst
and dehydrating agent.
e.g. CH3COOH (aq) + C2 H5OH(aq) CH3COOC2 H5 + H2O(l)
ethyl ethanoate(ester).
Hydrolysis of Esters
Hydrolysis refers to the breaking up of a compound using water. This process can be accelerated
using either dilute acid or dilute alkali. Esters can be hydrolyzed when heated with dilute acid or
dilute alkali
1. Acid Hydrolysis Of Ester
The ester is heated with a strong acid such as sulphuric acid to produce the carboxylic acid and
alcohol.
CH3COOC2H5 + H2 O → CH3COOH + C2H5OH
ethyl ethanoate( ester) ethanoic acid ethanol
The reaction in this instance is reversible and the ester is only partially ionized.
2. Alkali Hydrolysis of Ester (Saponification)
In the alkali catalyzed reaction, the ester is heated with a strong alkali such as sodium hydroxide.
The reaction is irreversible and the completely hydrolyzed ester forms alcohol and a salt of the
carboxylic acid.
CH3COOC2H5 + NaOH → CH3COONa + C2H5OH
ethyl ethanoate( ester) sodium hydroxide sodium ethanoate ethanol
Uses of Esters
1. Esters known as parabens are used as food and drug preservatives as a result of which they’ll resist.
the growth of microorganisms like molds and yeast.
2. Esters have good odours as they are used as an ingredient of perfumes, food flavourings to spice.
up the flavour and smell of processed foods, in essential oils, cosmetics, etc.
3. Natural esters are found in pheromones.
4. Phosphoesters form the backbone of DNA molecules.
5. Esters are utilized in the assembly of polyester.
6. Nitrate esters, like glyceryl trinitrate, are acknowledged for its explosive properties.
7. Esters are used in the making of surfactants E.g. soap, detergents.
References
1. https://sites.google.com/site/chemistryolp/formation-of-esters
2. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z3v4xfr/revision/5
3. http://www.chemguide.co.uk/organicprops/alcohols/background.html
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol#Physical_and_chemical_properties
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol
6. http://www.cerlabs.com/experiments/10534977545.pdf
7. http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=18296.0;prev_next=prev
