Question

One method of favoring the formation of an ester is to add excess acetic acid. Suggest another method, involving the right-hand side of the equation, that will favor the forma- tion of the ester.

Answer 1

Answer: decrease the temperature of the reaction

Explanation:

CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH ⇌ CH3COOCH2CH3 + H2O

The formation of an ester is an exothermic reaction. Therefore, a decrease in the temperature of the reaction will favour the production of ester.