Chemistry / Unit 12 Chem 2469 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Carboxylic Acids and Esters from the Carbonyl
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The idea
A carboxylic acid's carbonyl carbon bonds to a hydroxyl group, giving a weakly acidic hydrogen; an ester forms when the acid reacts with an alcohol, replacing that hydrogen.
In practice
Acetic acid reacting with ethanol forms ester ethyl acetate, releasing water.
Where people slip
A carboxylic acid's ionizable hydrogen sits on its hydroxyl oxygen, not the carbon chain, so only it accounts for the acidity.
Your place on the trail
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