Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

LAOANG CAMPUS
Laoang, Northern Samar

General
Chemistry
(Organic)

Mark Angelo P. Aquino

BSCRIM-2A

Gerobel R. Valenzuela
Subject Teacher
 MODULES ASSESSMENT
ESTERS & ETHERS

1. What is the difference between esters and ethers?

 From the discussion, I learned that the main difference between esters
and ethers lies in their structure. For a reason that, an ester group
requires two oxygen atoms and two carbon atoms to complete its
characteristic as well as esters do not have symmetrical structures due
to the presence of the carbonyl group structure, while an ether group
only needs one oxygen atom and two carbon atoms for its structure
and ethers can have a symmetrical structure if both alkyl groups on
either side of the oxygen atom in an ether group are similar. From this,
it is translucently stated that the distinction between esters and ethers
can be foreseen primarily in their structure.

2. How are esters formed?

 According to the discussion and module, the esters are formed or

produced by an esterification reaction. An esterification reaction
involves a molecule of the carboxylic acid with a molecule of alcohol in
the presence of a strong acid catalyst such as concentrated sulphuric
acid, to form an ester and water.

3. What are the characteristics of esters?

 Anchored from the module, the characteristics of esters mentioned that

esters most noticeable characteristic is their smell. Simple esters are
neutral compounds with a sweet pleasant smell (fruity smell). Apart
from that, their bouquet is often floral or fruity which is why they are
used in food flavorings & perfumes. In addition, another characteristic
of esters is very good at dissolving organic compounds so often used
as solvents. Esters also tend to be colorless liquids with boiling points
much lower than those of carboxylic acids of similar molecular masses;
making them a group of volatile compounds.

4. What is the difference between Esterification and Ester Hydrolysis?

 Moored from the discussion, the difference between esterification and

ester hydrolysis is that in an ester hydrolysis it is a breakdown of an
ester by water. Aside from that, it is a process sped up by catalysis and
can use an acid to catalyze (H2SO4). Also, ester hydrolysis is a reaction
in which esters are broken into carboxylic acids and alcohols in the
presence of water, diluted acid, or diluted alkali. On the other hand,
during esterification the reaction is reversible and does not go to
 completion. For a reason that the esterification reaction of
both alcohol and carboxylic acid lose water molecules and a highly
volatile compound characterized by its pleasant odor is formed. The
formed volatile compound is called ester and can be used in synthetic
flavors, perfumes, and cosmetics.

5. What are the physical properties of ethers?

 According to the module, the physical properties of ethers are that it

has higher melting points and boiling points than hydrocarbons of
comparable size and shape. Ethers also have lower melting points and
boiling points than alcohol size and shape aside from that, all ethers
are soluble in organic solvents. However, it is much lower compared to
that of alcohols of comparable molecular mass. This is despite the fact
of the polarity of the C-O bond. Ether molecules are miscible in water.
We can attribute this to the fact that like alcohols, the oxygen atom
of ether can also form hydrogen bonds with a water molecule.

6. What are Methoxyethane, Methyl t-butyl ether, and Ethylene oxide (an
epoxide) used for? Is it flammable?

 According to the module, Methoxyethane also known as ethyl methyl

ether is used as an aerosol propellant, as a refrigerant, and as a
blowing agent for the production of some foams. It can also be used as
a fuel in diesel engines. Meanwhile, Methyl t-butyl ether is a common
gasoline additive used as an octane booster to oxygenate the gas, and
make it burn with less “knocking.” It also used as a replacement for
tetraethyl lead (leaded gasoline). However, Ethylene oxide (an
epoxide) is used to sterilize new and reusable medical equipment such
as surgical instruments, hypodermic needles/syringes, surgical
prosthetic parts, hemodialysis machines, heart and lung machines,
dental instruments, veterinary instruments, heat-labile material,
moisture labile material, oral and inhalation equipment, diagnostic
instruments, thermometers, surgical dressings, first aid equipment. In
addition, these three important ethers are considered flammable.
7. Complete the table below:
Give the IUPAC Name or Structural formula

0
Ethyl propanoate II
CH3CH2—C—OCH2CH3

0
Pentyl ethanoate II
CH3—C—O—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH3

0
II
Butyl decanoate CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2—C—OCH2CH2CH2CH3

H H H H
Methoxy propane I I I I
H—C—O—C—C—C—H
I I I I
H H H H

Ethyl propyl ethers CH3—CH2—O—CH2—CH2—CH3

Methoxy methane CH3—O—CH3

H H H H H
I I I 1 I2 I3
Ethoxy propane H—C—C—O—C—C—C—H
I I I I I
H H H H H