Ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst to form an ester. Describe what happens during this reaction, including the name of the ester formed, the type of reaction taking place, and the conditions required.

Ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst in a reversible esterification reaction.

1. The alcohol (CH3CH2OH) and the carboxylic acid (CH3COOH) combine.
2. A proton from the acid catalyst (e.g. conc. H2SO4) protonates the carbonyl oxygen, increasing the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon.
3. The lone pair on the oxygen of ethanol attacks the carbonyl carbon, forming a tetrahedral intermediate.
4. Proton transfer and loss of water (H2O) from the intermediate gives the ester.
5. The product is ethyl ethanoate (CH3COOCH2CH3).
6. Water is released as a by‑product.
7. The reaction is reversible; an equilibrium is established, so excess acid or removal of water drives the reaction to completion.

Conditions: acid catalyst (concentrated H2SO4) and removal of water or excess acid to shift equilibrium.