Question

Write a general equation (using R to represent a general alkyl group) for the formation of an ester by the condensation of a tertiary alcohol with a carboxylic acid.

Short answer

The general chemical equation of the formation of ester is as follows:

Step-by-step solution

Formation of esters

When carboxylic acids are heated with alcohols in the presence of catalysts, esters are formed. This process is known as esterification reaction. Water molecules are also formed along with esters.

Step 2: General equation for alcohols, acid and ester

Tertiary alcohols are the organic compounds in which the functional group, –OH is bonded to a carbon atom that is connected to three carbon groups. It has the general chemical formula, ${\left({\text{R}}^1\right)}_3\text{C}-\text{OH}$, where ${\text{R}}^1$ is the carbon group or alkyl group.

Carboxylic acid has the chemical formula RCOOH, where R is an alkyl group.

Esters are formed by addition of both molecules, followed by the removal of water. So it has the chemical formula, $\text{R - CO - C}{\left({\text{R}}^1\right)}_3$ , where $\text{R,}{\text{R}}^1$ may be same or different alkyl groups.

General chemical equation for ester formation

The general chemical equation of the formation of ester is given below: