Fischer esterification
Fischer esterification
Formula
RCOOH + R'OH ⇌ RCOOR' + H₂O (H₂SO₄ catalyst)
Real World
In BASF's industrial production of ethyl ethanoate for nail polish remover, excess ethanol is continuously fed in and water is distilled off to push the equilibrium towards the ester product, maximising yield.
Exam Focus
Explain how Le Chatelier's principle applies: state that removing water or adding excess alcohol shifts equilibrium right.
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