When ethanoic acid is warmed with ethanol in the presence of a little concentrated sulphuric acid, a sweet-smelling substance is formed. What is this reaction called?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Esterification
A carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst to give a sweet-smelling ester; the reaction is called esterification. Ethanoic acid and ethanol give the ester ethyl ethanoate.