# Ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol to form an ester. Explain what type of reaction this is, name the ester produced, and describe two properties that make esters useful.

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

> Carboxylic acids have the functional group –COOH. Alcohols contain the functional group –OH. When a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol, an ester is formed.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The reaction is a condensation reaction
2. The ester produced is ethyl ethanoate
3. Esters have distinctive / pleasant / fruity smells / aromas
4. Esters are used as solvents (e.g. for paints, glues, nail varnish)
5. A small molecule (water) is lost / released during the reaction

## Key terms

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

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- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethanoic-acid-reacts-with-ethanol-to-a816a5a2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.