Esraa Elmay

Esters
Definition: An aliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbon derivative that is produced by a reaction
between alcohol and carboxylic acid.

Preparation:

1) Esterification:

NOTE: H2SO4 or dry HCL are added as a dehydrating agent to eliminate water preventing
it from going backward as the reaction is reversible.
Esraa Elmay

Physical properties:
1) Most of esters are liquid.
2) With the increase of C number, the odor gets less intense, and the ester gets
more viscous (becomes waxy)
3) The boiling point is lower than that of carboxylic acid and alcohol due to
presence of (-OH) and (-COOH). For the same reason, it has lower
solubility. (carboxylic acid > alcohol> ester> alkane> alkene> alkyne)

Chemical reactions:
1) Hydrolysis:
A) Hydrolysis in an acidic medium:

B) Hydrolysis in an alkaline medium:

Esraa Elmay

2) Ammonolysis:

Ester in our life:

- They are responsible for the flavor and smell of fruits.
- Esters that are produced from fatty acids and glycerol (triglycerides) are the
building cell of soap as when triglyceride reacts with KOH or NAOH, it
turns into soap. This process is called saponification.
Esraa Elmay

Esters in drugs:

1) Production of marookh oil (methyl salicylate) that is used in

relieving rheumatic pain.

2) Production of aspirin that is used as a pain killer, blood flow

booster, and antipyretic (decreases body temperature)

NOTE: salicylic acid is the pain killer. However, its reaction with acetic
acid is a must it can hurt the stomach due its acidity while aspirin is less
acidic.

----->All polymers will be gathered in one separated PDF<-----