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Esters

Esters
  • An ester is a condensation product of an acid and an alcohol.
  • The formation of an ester from an acid and an alcohol is termed esterification.
  • During esterification a molecule of water is eliminated.
  • The formation of an ester from the acid and alcohol requires the use of heat and a dehydrating agent like conc. sulfuric acid. (Is there a difference between a dehydrating agent and a drying agent?)
  • Most esters are pleasant smelling compounds and are useful as constituents of perfumes, cosmetics and food flavouring agents.
  • Many esters are of medicinal importance.
  • Methylsalicylate is a constituent of many ointments like Vicks, Amrutanjan, Tiger Balm, Bengay and so on. (It is a muscle relaxant). Here is a list of some esters, their odours, the acid and alcohol from which they are derived.

Acid

Alcohol

Ester

Smell

Acetic acid

Benzyl alcohol

Benzyl acetate

Jasmine

Butyric acid

Methyl alcohol

Methyl butyrate

Apple

Butyric acid

Ethyl alcohol

Ethyl butyrate

Pineapple

Acetic acid

Isoamyl alcohol

Isoamyl acetate

banana

Anthranilic acid

Methyl alcohol

Methyl anthranilate

grapes

Salicylic acid

Methyl alcohol

Methyl salicylate

oil of wintergreen (Vicks)