Ester Chemistry

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to esters, their formation, and naming conventions within organic chemistry.

Ester

A compound formed from an alcohol and a carboxylic acid, characterized by the functional group R₁C(=O)OR₂.

Functional Group

A specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for a characteristic of that molecule.

Gebrauchliche Benennung

Common naming: Carboxylic acid + alkyl group of the alcohol + 'ester' (e.g., methanoic acid ethyl ester).

IUPAC Naming

Systematic naming where the alkyl group of the alcohol is followed by the salt of the acid.

Ester Production Reaction

The reaction involving an alcohol and a carboxylic acid that produces an ester and water through an incomplete condensation reaction.

Acid-Catalyzed Ester Formation Steps

1. Protonation, 2. Nucleophilic attack by alcohol, 3. Rearrangement and water elimination, 4. Regeneration of the catalyst.

Nucleophilic Attack

The step where alcohol attacks the carbon of the carboxylic acid to form an ester.

Protonation Step

The first step in acid-catalyzed ester formation where the acid protonates the carboxylic acid.

Condensation Reaction

A reaction where two molecules combine with the loss of a small molecule, often water.

Rearrangement in Ester Formation

A process involved in the formation of ester where the structure reorganizes before water is eliminated.