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Chemistry

In a round bottom flask, a mixture of ethanol, acetic acid and concentrated sulphuric acid was heated:

(a) Name the type of reaction occurring in the above set up.

(b) What is the role of sulphuric acid in this reaction?

(c) State one observation that takes place during the reaction.

Organic Chemistry

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Answer

(a) Esterification reaction

C2H5OHethyl alcohol+CH3COOHconc. H2SO4CH3COOC2H5ethyl acetate+H2O\underset{\text{ethyl alcohol}}{\text{C}2\text{H}5\text{OH}} + \text{CH}3\text{COOH} \xrightarrow{\text{conc. H}2\text{SO}4} \underset{\text{ethyl acetate}}{{\text{CH}3\text{COOC}2\text{H}5}} + \text{H}_2\text{O}

(b) Dehydrating agent

(c) Fruity smell is observed due to the formation of ester by the reaction of ethanol and acetic acid.

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