Drawing and naming esters

3 marks · Normal

Methanol reacts with benzoic acid (C6H5COOH) to form an ester.

Write the structural formula for the ester produced when one molecule of each reactant combine.

Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.

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C6H5COOCH3

Must show: One correct structural formula of methyl benzoate

Also accept: Structural diagram showing COOCH3 attached to C6H5 group

Common mistakes: Incorrect attachment (methyl group to wrong part); Wrong number of carbon atoms

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Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · Identifies correct removal of H2O (from alcohol and acid).

M2 · 1 mark · Shows correct joining of the acid and alcohol residues.

A1 · 1 mark · Writes the correct structural formula: C6H5COOCH3

Worked solution

From benzoic acid (C6H5COOH) and methanol (CH3OH), the ester formed is methyl benzoate.

The structural formula: C6H5COOCH3