Uses of esters
4 marks · NormalA chemist is developing a new perfume with a fruity scent.
Suggest why esters are often used in making perfumes.
State one property of esters that helps the scent of a perfume spread easily.
Other than perfumes, name one use of esters.
Explain how the use of esters benefits manufacturers of food products.
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(a) Because esters have pleasant, fruity smells
(b) Esters are volatile/evaporate easily
(c) Used as food flavourings
(d) Esters allow manufacturers to add or imitate fruity flavours, making products more appealing to consumers.
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Correct reason for use of esters in perfumes (fruity/pleasant smell)
B2 (b) · 1 mark · Property: volatility or easy evaporation
B3 (c) · 1 mark · Named use other than perfumes (e.g., food flavourings)
B4 (d) · 1 mark · Explanation relating ester use to appeal or taste of manufactured foods
Worked solution
(a) Esters are often used because they have pleasant, fruity smells.
(b) Esters are volatile so the scent spreads easily.
(c) They are used in food flavourings.
(d) Manufacturers use them to add appealing flavours to food, increasing sales.