Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of esterification?

Accepted Answer

The reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst and heat to produce an ester and water.

Question 2

What is the IUPAC name for the ester formed from propanoic acid and methanol?

Accepted Answer

Methyl propanoate

Question 3

Which of the following is the balanced chemical equation for the esterification of ethanoic acid and methanol?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3COOH} + \mathrm{CH_3OH} \xrightarrow{\mathrm{H^+,\ heat}} \mathrm{CH_3COOCH_3} + \mathrm{H_2O}$$

Question 4

Which ester is responsible for the aroma and flavor of pears?

Accepted Answer

Propyl ethanoate

Question 5

During acid hydrolysis of an ester, which products are formed?

Accepted Answer

A carboxylic acid and an alcohol

Question 6

What is the product of base hydrolysis (saponification) of methyl ethanoate with NaOH?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3COO^-Na^+} ($$sodium acetate) and $$\mathrm{CH_3OH} ($$methanol)

Question 7

Which of the following statements about esters is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Esters are generally more irritating to the stomach than carboxylic acids.

Question 8

A student wants to synthesize ethyl propanoate. Which reactants should they use?

Accepted Answer

Propanoic acid and ethanol

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for the ester with the structure $$\mathrm{CH_3CH_2COOCH_2CH_3}$$?

Accepted Answer

Ethyl propanoate

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is preferred over salicylic acid for pain relief?

Accepted Answer

Aspirin is an ester of salicylic acid that is less irritating to the stomach lining.

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct product for the acid hydrolysis of methyl propanoate?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3CH_2COOH} ($$propanoic acid) and $$\mathrm{CH_3OH} ($$methanol)

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct step in naming an ester?

Accepted Answer

Change the 'ic acid' ending of the carboxylic acid to 'ate'.

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct condensed structural formula for methyl ethanoate?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3COOCH_3}$$

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world use of methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen)?

Accepted Answer

It is used in skin ointments as a counter-irritant.

Question 15

Which of the following reactions represents saponification?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3COOCH_3} + \mathrm{NaOH} \xrightarrow{\mathrm{heat}} \mathrm{CH_3COO^-Na^+} + \mathrm{CH_3OH}$$

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why small esters are often used in flavorings and perfumes?

Accepted Answer

They are volatile and soluble in water, allowing them to be easily smelled and tasted.

Question 17

A chemist wants to produce methyl propanoate. Which reactants should be used?

Accepted Answer

Propanoic acid and methanol

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct product for the base hydrolysis of ethyl acetate with KOH?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3COO^-K^+} ($$potassium acetate) and $$\mathrm{C_2H_5OH} ($$ethanol)

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for the ester formed from benzoic acid and ethanol?

Accepted Answer

Ethyl benzoate

Esters and Esterification: Structure, Naming, and Reactions

Study Guide - Practice Questions