A Level Chemistry OCR Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the A Level Chemistry OCR Exam with quizzes. Study with flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Enhance your understanding and boost your confidence for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the main product of the esterification reaction?

Alcohol and acid
Carboxylic acid and water
Ester and carbon dioxide
Ester and water

The correct answer is: Ester and water

In an esterification reaction, typically involving a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, the main product formed is an ester and water. During this process, the hydroxyl group (-OH) from the carboxylic acid combines with a hydrogen atom from the alcohol, resulting in the elimination of water. This process is a classic example of a condensation reaction, where two molecules join together with the loss of a smaller molecule (in this case, water). The significance of forming an ester is highlighted in many practical applications, including the creation of fragrances, flavors, and plastics. The nature of the ester product will depend on the specific carboxylic acid and alcohol used in the reaction, but the formation of water as a byproduct is consistent across all esterification reactions.