Fischer Esterification (Ethanol + Acetic Acid)

CH3COOH + C2H5OH ⇌ CH3COOC2H5 + H2O

Descripción general

Acetic acid reacts with ethanol in the presence of an acid catalyst to form ethyl acetate and water. This reversible condensation reaction is the classic Fischer esterification. The equilibrium is driven to the right by using excess alcohol or removing water. Ethyl acetate has a characteristic fruity smell.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Acetic Acid CH₃COOH 1 (l)
Reactivo Ethanol C₂H₅OH 1 (l)
Producto Water H₂O 1 (l)

Ejemplo cotidiano

The fruity smell of nail polish remover is ethyl acetate produced by this esterification reaction. Many fruit flavors are esters made similarly.

Importancia industrial

El acetato de etilo es el disolvente orgánico más ampliamente utilizado en el mundo, producido a más de 3 millones de toneladas anuales para recubrimientos, adhesivos, tintas de impresión y farmacéuticos.

Propiedades

Tipo
Organic
Reversible
Sí
Energía
Exotérmico
ΔH
-10,0 kJ/mol
Catalizador
Concentrated sulfuric acid

Reacciones relacionadas

Epoxidation of Alkenes (mCPBA) Swern Oxidation Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone E2 Elimination (Dehydrohalogenation) Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Kolbe Electrolysis Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Dehydration of Ethanol

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Fischer Esterification (Ethanol + Acetic Acid)?
The balanced equation is: CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH ⇌ CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O.
What type of reaction is Fischer Esterification (Ethanol + Acetic Acid)?
Fischer Esterification (Ethanol + Acetic Acid) is a organic reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Fischer Esterification (Ethanol + Acetic Acid) exothermic or endothermic?
Fischer Esterification (Ethanol + Acetic Acid) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -10.0 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Fischer Esterification (Ethanol + Acetic Acid)?
This reaction requires a catalyst (Concentrated sulfuric acid).