Textbook Question
Draw the condensed structure of the compounds formed by condensation reactions between
c. acetic acid and phenol.
Name the compound in each case.
22. Organic Chemistry
Ester Reactions: Esterification
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Aspirin also known as acetylsalicyclic acid possesses an ester group that is formed from the reaction between ethanoic acid and salicyclic acid. Determine the structure of aspirin after the condensation between ethanoic acid and salicyclic acid.
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the functional groups in both reactants: Ethanoic acid (acetic acid) has a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), and salicylic acid has both a carboxylic acid group and a phenolic hydroxyl group (-OH).
Recognize that the esterification reaction involves the reaction between the hydroxyl group of salicylic acid and the carboxylic acid group of ethanoic acid.
During the esterification process, the hydroxyl group (-OH) from the salicylic acid and the hydrogen atom (H) from the carboxylic acid group of ethanoic acid are removed to form water (H2O).
The remaining oxygen atom from the salicylic acid's hydroxyl group forms a bond with the carbon atom of the carbonyl group (C=O) from ethanoic acid, creating an ester linkage (R-COO-R').
The resulting structure of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) will have an ester group (R-COO-R') where the salicylic acid's hydroxyl group was, and the rest of the salicylic acid structure remains unchanged.
1:50mWatch next
Master Ester Reactions: Esterification with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Ester Reactions: Esterification practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations