Ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol in the presence of an acid catalyst to form a product used as a solvent in nail varnish remover. Name this type of reaction, identify the catalyst used, state the name of the organic product formed, and name the other product of this reaction.

Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 11.7 Carboxylic acids · Name · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Esterification
Catalyst: concentrated sulphuric acid
Product: ethyl ethanoate
Other product: water

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact term "esterification"; mention the catalyst as "concentrated sulphuric acid"; give the full IUPAC name "ethyl ethanoate"; state the other product as "water". 4 marks are awarded for each correct element.
  • common_mistakes
  • :
  • Writing "ester" instead of "esterification"; using "sulphuric acid" without specifying it is concentrated; calling the product "ethyl acetate" (incorrect IUPAC); forgetting to mention water as the other product.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Type of reaction is esterification
  2. Catalyst is concentrated sulfuric acid
  3. Organic product is ethyl ethanoate
  4. Other product is water

Key terms in this question

catalyst

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