Drawing and naming esters

1 mark · Easy

Write the structural formula of the ester formed when ethanol reacts with propanoic acid.

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CH3CH2COOCH2CH3

Also accept: CH3CH2COOCH2CH3; C2H5COOC2H5 (not preferred, structure preferred, but accept)

Common mistakes: CH3COOCH2CH3 (swaps acids)

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Marking points

A1 · 1 mark · Correct structural formula for ethyl propanoate (CH3CH2COOCH2CH3)

Worked solution

Ethanol is CH3CH2OH. Propanoic acid is CH3CH2COOH.

When they react, the H from the alcohol and the OH from the acid are removed, and the remaining parts join: CH3CH2COOCH2CH3