What carboxylic acid and alcohol is needed to produce propyl acetate?
propyl alcohol and acetic acid.
To determine the carboxylic acid and alcohol needed to produce propyl acetate, we first need to understand its chemical structure. Propyl acetate is an ester formed by the condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid (acetic acid) and an alcohol (propanol).
The molecular formula for propyl acetate is C5H10O2. Based on the formula, we can deduce that it consists of a five-carbon chain (propyl group), a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), and an ester group (-OOCCH3).
Now, let's break down the reaction:
1. The carboxylic acid component is acetic acid, which has the formula CH3COOH. It contains two carbon atoms and one carboxylic acid group (-COOH).
2. The alcohol component is propanol, which has the formula CH3CH2CH2OH. It consists of three carbon atoms and an -OH group.
To produce propyl acetate, the reaction goes as follows:
CH3COOH + CH3CH2CH2OH → CH3COOCH2CH2CH3 + H2O
Here, acetic acid reacts with propanol to yield propyl acetate and water as a byproduct.
In summary, propyl acetate is formed by the esterification of acetic acid and propanol.