Write equations for the reaction of propanoic acid with methanol and name any organic products.

This reaction is the formation of an ester because the reactants are a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
Propanoic acid has 3 carbons and will have the functional group COOH:
CH3CH2COOH
Methanol has 1 carbon and an OH functional group:
CH3OH
So the equation is:
CH3CH2COOH + CH3OH ---> CH3CH2COOCH3 + H2O
The organic product is methyl propanoate because there are 3 carbons before the ester group and 1 carbon after the ester group.

Answered by Bethan H. Chemistry tutor

31850 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does AlCl3 form the dimer Al2Cl6?


What is the chemical structure of metal


Draw the structure of chlorine pentafluoride (ClF5) according to the VSEPR theory


Why are teachers now saying electrons are in orbitals? I thought they moved around shells?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences