Question

Heating a mixture of ethyl alcohol and acetic acid in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid produces a fruity-smelling compound. This reaction is called
A. Neutralisation
B. Ester hydrolysis
C. Esterification
D. Williamson's synthesis

Answer 1

Hint: When acetic acid is treated with ethyl alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst concentrated sulfuric acid esters are generated. Esters have aromatic sweet-smelling substances.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
Carboxylic acids and alcohols react with each other to form esters.
This reaction occurs in the presence of an acid catalyst like concentrated sulfuric acid, dry hydrochloric gas, etc.
The completion of the reaction is characterised by the formation of sweet or fruity-smelling esters.
This reaction is called the esterification reaction.
This reaction occurs through a four-step mechanism

Image: esterification mechanism
The first step involves the protonation of acetic acid.
The second step involves the attack of the lone pair of ethyl alcohol on the carbonyl carbon of acetic acid.
The third step involves the losing water molecule from the resulting product.
The fourth step involves the loss of proton giving rise to the ester.

So, option C is correct.

Additional Information: An ester earns its name from the carboxylic acid involved in the esterification reaction of that ester. These compounds possess a nice odour.
They are utilised in the fragrance and food trades. These are organic compounds we get in fats and oils.

Note: Esters are formed from the combination of carboxylic acids and alcohols. Esters are aromatic and hence are highly helpful in fragrances, makeups, and food seasonings. They are beneficial as an organic solvent as well. They are helpful in the production of soaps and detergents.