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 the reaction of propanoic acid and methanol?

Accepted Answer

Methyl propanoate

Question 3

Which of the following equations correctly represents the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of methyl ethanoate?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Which of the following is a real-life application of esters?

Accepted Answer

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is an ester used as a pain reliever and to reduce the risk of heart attack.

Question 5

What are the products of the base hydrolysis (saponification) of methyl acetate with sodium hydroxide?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3COONa} ($$sodium acetate) and $$\mathrm{CH_3OH} ($$methanol)

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate) is used in topical ointments?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a counter-irritant, producing heat to soothe sore muscles.

Question 7

Given the following reaction, identify the ester product:

$$\mathrm{C_2H_5OH} + \mathrm{CH_3COOH} \xrightarrow{H^+,\ heat} \ ? \ + \mathrm{H_2O}$$

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3COOC_2H_5} ($$ethyl ethanoate)

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the naming of esters is correct?

Accepted Answer

The first word comes from the alcohol (alkyl group), and the second word is the carboxylate from the acid.

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct balanced equation for the formation of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C_7H_6O_3} + \mathrm{CH_3COOH} \xrightarrow{H^+,\ heat} \mathrm{C_9H_8O_4} + \mathrm{H_2O}$$

Question 10

Which of the following best describes what happens during the acid hydrolysis of an ester?

Accepted Answer

An ester reacts with water in the presence of an acid catalyst to produce a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.

Question 11

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 12

A student wants to synthesize methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) in the lab. Which reactants should they use?

Accepted Answer

Salicylic acid and methanol with an acid catalyst and heat

Question 13

Which of the following is a product of the base hydrolysis (saponification) of ethyl propanoate with potassium hydroxide?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3CH_2COOK} ($$potassium propanoate)

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why esters are commonly found in fruits?

Accepted Answer

They are responsible for the characteristic aromas and flavors of many fruits.

Question 15

Which of the following is the correct condensed structural formula for ethyl propanoate?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3CH_2COOCH_2CH_3}$$

Question 16

Aspirin is synthesized by reacting salicylic acid with which compound?

Accepted Answer

Acetic acid

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the products of the acid hydrolysis of ethyl butanoate?

Accepted Answer

Butanoic acid and ethanol

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about saponification?

Accepted Answer

It is the base hydrolysis of an ester, producing a carboxylate salt and an alcohol.

Esters and Hydrolysis

Study Guide - Practice Questions