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Esterification Test
Carboxylic acid + Alcohol + H₂SO₄ (catalyst) → Ester with sweet fruity smell!
How It Works
1
Three Unknown Compounds
Tubes A, B, C contain carboxylic acid, phenol, and aldehyde.
2
Add Ethanol + H₂SO₄
Conc. H₂SO₄ catalyzes ester formation: RCOOH + C₂H₅OH → RCOOC₂H₅ + H₂O.
3
Smell the Product
Sweet fruity smell = Ester formed = Carboxylic acid. No smell = Phenol/Aldehyde.
Reaction Key
Carboxylic Acid:
Sweet fruity smell (ester formed)
Phenol:
No fruity smell (phenol ester less distinct)
Aldehyde:
No ester formation