Q157CP - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

7 Esters, RCOOR’, are formed by the reaction of carboxylic acids, RCOOH, and alcohols, R’OH, where R and R’ are hydrocarbon groups. Many esters are responsible for the odors of fruit and, thus, have important uses in the food and cosmetics industries. The first two steps in the mechanism of ester formation are

Identify the Lewis acids and Lewis bases in these two steps.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

$$\begin{gathered} {\text{1) Lewisacid:H}}^{\text{ + }}\text{; Lewisbase: RCOOH} \\ {\text{2) Lewisacid: RC}}^{\text{ + }}{\text{OHOH; Lewisbase: R}}^{\text{cent}}\text{ - OH} \end{gathered}$$

Step 1: Identify the organic compound

Identify functional groups and reaction type.

Step 2: Apply organic chemistry principles

Use reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry.

Step 3: Determine products

Find the major product(s) or requested info.

Step 4: State the answer

The answer is:

$$\begin{gathered} {\text{1) Lewisacid:H}}^{\text{ + }}\text{; Lewisbase: RCOOH} \\ {\text{2) Lewisacid: RC}}^{\text{ + }}{\text{OHOH; Lewisbase: R}}^{} \end{gathered}$$