# Ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid to form an ester. Describe what happens during this reaction, including the conditions needed, the names of both products formed, and explain why the reaction is described as reversible.

> WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales) — 2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid is called esterification
2. An acid catalyst (concentrated sulfuric acid) is required
3. The ester produced is ethyl ethanoate
4. Water is also produced
5. The reaction is reversible because the ester and water can react to re-form the alcohol and carboxylic acid / the reaction does not go to completion

## Key terms

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

## Related

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