# Ethyl ethanoate is an ester used as a solvent in nail varnish remover. Describe how ethyl ethanoate could be made in the laboratory from ethanoic acid, and explain why the product formed is classified as an ester.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 4.5 Carboxylic acids and their derivatives · Describe and Explain · 5 marks

> Ethyl ethanoate has the smell of pear drops and is widely used as an industrial solvent.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. React ethanoic acid with ethanol
2. An acid catalyst is required (e.g. concentrated sulfuric acid)
3. The reaction is called esterification
4. An ester contains the –COO– (ester) functional group / formed when a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol
5. Water is also produced / it is a condensation reaction

## Key terms

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

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethyl-ethanoate-is-an-ester-used-e3c2b44a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.