A Level Chemistry OCR Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Chemistry Exam!

Question: 1 / 400

During esterification, what by-product is generated alongside the ester?

Alcohol

Aldehyde

Water

Esterification is a chemical reaction that occurs when a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol, leading to the formation of an ester and a by-product. In this process, the hydroxyl group (-OH) from the carboxylic acid and a hydrogen atom from the alcohol combine to produce water (H₂O).

This reaction can be represented by the general equation:

RCOOH + R'OH → RCOOR' + H₂O

Here, RCOOH represents the carboxylic acid, R'OH represents the alcohol, and RCOOR' is the ester formed. The water produced is a crucial by-product of the esterification process.

Other potential options do not correctly represent a by-product of this reaction. For example, alcohol is a reactant, not a by-product, and aldehyde and carbon dioxide are not generated during this particular reaction. Thus, the formation of water is a defining characteristic of esterification. This reinforces the significance of water in understanding the reaction's mechanisms and products.

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Carbon dioxide

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