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

21420 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What techniques would you use to separate: 1) different colour inks from black ink. 2) ethanol from ethanol and water 3) salt from water


What is the trend in first ionisation energy across a period?


How are elements in the modern periodic table arranged?


Describe the structure and properties of graphite


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