Question detail
Which of the following is a correct statement about the equilibrium position of esterification in the presence of excess alcohol?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Carboxylic acids and derivatives (A-level only)
Question
- A. The equilibrium shifts towards the ester product
- B. The equilibrium shifts towards the acid and alcohol reactants
- C. The equilibrium position is unchanged by alcohol concentration
- D. The equilibrium shifts towards water formation
Answer
The equilibrium shifts towards the ester product
Explanation
The correct option is The equilibrium shifts towards the ester product. The equilibrium shifts towards the ester product is the best answer because it directly supports the AQA A-Level Chemistry objective to describe esterification and hydrolysis reactions. This reasoning is anchored to Carboxylic acids, esters and acyl derivatives (A-level only) in Carboxylic acids and derivatives (A-level only), and it separates ester from similar A-Level ideas rather than relying on a vague recall statement. Other options are weaker if they use the wrong evidence, calculation, mechanism, observation, unit, or conclusion for this subtopic.
Common mistake
Esterification Reaction Misunderstanding
Students often confuse the reactants in esterification, thinking that alcohols can react with any acid instead of specifically carboxylic acids.
Remember that esterification specifically involves a carboxylic acid reacting with an alcohol to form an ester and water. Always identify the correct reactants.
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