# Butanoic acid reacts with methanol to form an ester and water. Explain why this reaction is described as a condensation reaction, name the ester formed, and state the role of the concentrated sulfuric acid used in this reaction.

> AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405) — 3.3.9 Carboxylic acids and derivatives (A-Level only) · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A condensation reaction produces a small molecule (water) when the two reactants join together
2. The two reactants (carboxylic acid and alcohol) join together to form the ester (a larger molecule)
3. The ester formed is methyl butanoate
4. Concentrated sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst
5. The catalyst is not used up / remains unchanged at the end of the reaction

## Key terms

- [condensation reaction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/condensation-reaction)
- [ester](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ester)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/butanoic-acid-reacts-with-methanol-to-898c6b49) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.