Multiple Choice
Which of the following compounds is considered saturated?
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2. Molecular Representations
Functional Groups
Multiple Choice
Which combination of reagents would you use to synthesize the ester (methyl acetate)?
A
(acetic acid) and (methanol) in the presence of an acid catalyst
B
(methanol) and (acetone) in the presence of an acid catalyst
C
(acetaldehyde) and (methanol) in the presence of a base
D
(acetic acid) and (methylamine) in the presence of a base
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the target ester: methyl acetate has the structure \(\mathrm{CH_3COOCH_3}\), which means it is formed from acetic acid (\(\mathrm{CH_3COOH}\)) and methanol (\(\mathrm{CH_3OH}\)).
Recall the general method for ester synthesis: esters are commonly synthesized by the acid-catalyzed reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, known as Fischer esterification.
Write the general Fischer esterification reaction:
\(\mathrm{R-COOH + R'-OH \xrightarrow{H^+} R-COOR' + H_2O}\)
where \(\mathrm{R-COOH}\) is the carboxylic acid and \(\mathrm{R'-OH}\) is the alcohol.
Match the reagents to the target ester: since methyl acetate has a methyl group on the oxygen side, the alcohol must be methanol (\(\mathrm{CH_3OH}\)), and the acid must be acetic acid (\(\mathrm{CH_3COOH}\)).
Confirm the presence of an acid catalyst is necessary to protonate the carbonyl oxygen, increasing electrophilicity and facilitating the nucleophilic attack by the alcohol, thus driving the esterification forward.
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