Question detail
What is the general reaction for the esterification of a carboxylic acid with an 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. Carboxylic acid + Alcohol → Ester + Water
- B. Ester + Water → Carboxylic acid + Alcohol
- C. Carboxylic acid + Water → Ester + Alcohol
- D. Alcohol + Water → Ester + Carboxylic acid
Answer
Carboxylic acid + Alcohol → Ester + Water
Explanation
The correct option is Carboxylic acid + Alcohol → Ester + Water. Carboxylic acid + Alcohol → Ester + Water 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.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.