What do you form when methanol reacts with butanoic acid?

Esters occur naturally but they can be made in the laboratory by reacting an alcohol with an organic acid. A little sulfuric acid is needed as a catalyst.The general word equation for the reaction is:alcohol (OH) + organic acid (COOH) → ester + waterFor example:methanol + butanoic acid → methyl butanoate + watermethyl= 1Cbutane= 4CThe alcohol (methanol) loose an H, and the carboxylic acid loose an OH which form the by product of this reaction = water The ester formed= methyl butanoate: the alcohol takes the first part of the name and the carboxylic acid the later. The newly formed ester bond = C-O-C=O

GW
Answered by Grace W. Chemistry tutor

21601 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the relative formula mass of water.


How does one test for halide ions?


Why is graphene able to conduct electricity.


25 cm^3 of a solution of known 0.2M HCl is neutralised by titration by 21.5cm^3 of NaOH solution. Calculate then concentration of the NaOH solution to 3dp.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning