Question

Distinguish between esterification and saponification reactions of organic compounds with the help of the chemical equation for each. Write one use of (i) esters and (ii) saponification process?

Answer 1

Esterification. In such a reaction an alcohol reacts with a carboxylic acid in the presence of conc. `H_(2)SO_(4)` to form sweet smelling compounds called esters.
`CH_(3)COOH+C_(2)H_(5)OH underset("Warm")overset(Conc. H_(2)SO_(4))(to) underset("Ethyl ethanoate (ester)")(CH_(3)COOC_(2)H_(5))+H_(2)O`
Saponification. In such a reaction an ester reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium salt of an acid and alcohol.
`CH_(3)COOC_(2)H_(5)+NaOH overset(" Heat ")(to)C_(2)H_(5)OH+underset("Sodium ethanoate")(CH_(3)COONa)`
It is a sponification reaction.
(i) Esters are used for making of puddings and icecreams, etc.
(ii) Saponification process is used in making of various types of soaps.