# Carboxylic acids and alcohols can react together to form esters. Describe how an ester is formed from ethanoic acid and methanol, and explain two properties of esters that make them useful.

> AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405) — 3.3.14 Organic synthesis (A-Level only) · Describe · 5 marks

> Esters are produced in a condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. They are widely used in the food and perfume industries.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Ethanoic acid and methanol react together (in a condensation reaction)
2. Water is lost / produced as a small molecule during the reaction
3. The ester produced is methyl ethanoate
4. Esters have distinctive / pleasant smells / fruity odours, making them useful as flavourings or in perfumes
5. Esters are good solvents (they dissolve other substances / used to dissolve paints or nail varnish)

## Key terms

- [ester](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ester)
- [carboxylic acid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carboxylic-acid)
- [alcohol](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alcohol)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/carboxylic-acids-and-alcohols-can-react-d4d1e788) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.