Ethyl ethanoate is an ester used as a solvent in nail varnish removers. Explain how ethyl ethanoate is formed, including the type of reaction, the reagents required, and the functional group present in the product.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Ethyl ethanoate has the molecular formula CH₃COOC₂H₅ and is widely used as an industrial solvent due to its volatility.
Model answer (4 marks)
Ethyl ethanoate is produced by a condensation (esterification) reaction between ethanoic acid and ethanol. The carboxylic acid (CH₃COOH) reacts with the alcohol (CH₃CH₂OH) to give the ester CH₃COOC₂H₅ and water (H₂O) is released. The product contains the ester functional group –COO–.
Examiner tips
- State the reaction type (esterification) first; mention the reagents and that water is lost; identify the –COO– group; keep answer concise to fit 4 marks.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the reaction as a synthesis rather than a condensation; omitting the loss of water; failing to name the ester functional group explicitly.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Ethyl ethanoate is formed by a condensation reaction
- The reagents are ethanoic acid (a carboxylic acid) and ethanol (an alcohol)
- Water is also produced / lost during the reaction
- The functional group in the ester product is –COO–
Key terms in this question
Related
- All Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
More Esters questions
- Esters are volatile compounds with distinct smells and are commonly used in perf…
- Propyl methanoate is an ester used as a flavouring in some sweets and fruit drin…
- Butyl ethanoate is an ester used as a flavouring in some sweets because of its f…
- Esters are formed in a condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid and an al…