Carboxylic acids and estersAQA A-Level Chemistry: Mind map

Exam questions on Carboxylic acids and esters

1. A student adds a sample of ethanoic acid to aqueous sodium carbonate. In a separate experiment she warms ethanoic acid with ethanol and a few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid.
   Write the equation for the reaction of ethanoic acid with sodium carbonate.2 marks
2. Methyl butanoate has a fruity smell like apples and is used in food flavourings and perfumes. It is made in the laboratory from a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
   Write the equation for the formation of methyl butanoate and name a suitable catalyst.2 marks
3. A company manufactures soap and biodiesel from vegetable oil. Vegetable oils and animal fats are esters of propane-1,2,3-triol with long-chain carboxylic acids.
   Describe what happens when a vegetable oil is heated with aqueous sodium hydroxide, naming the products.3 marks