Carboxylic acids undergo condensation reactions with alcohols to form esters.

• Identify, name systematically, and draw structural formulae of methyl and ethyl esters of acids containing up to eight carbon atoms in the main chain, with side chains limited to a maximum of two carbon atoms.
• Draw the structural formula of the ester that could be produced by the condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, given their structural formulae or vice versa.
• Draw the structural formula of a polyester, given the structural formula(e) of the monomer(s) or vice versa.

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Infographic: Flavour/scent esters

Reference sheet: Functional groups

Practice programs: Naming | Drawing (choose Ester)

Tool: Draw from name

Condensation reactions are slow at 25°C.

• Explain the use of heating under reflux, and the use of a trace of concentrated sulfuric acid in the laboratory preparation of esters.

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Video: Reflux demonstration

Esters may be hydrolysed under acidic or alkaline conditions.

• Identify the products of acidic or alkaline hydrolysis of an ester or polyester, given the appropriate structural formula.

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Video: Flippin' Science

Practice: Organic Products (choose Esterification/hydrolysis) | Polymer