Esters are formed by linking two hydrocarbon groups together with an oxygen atom, or by linking a phosphate or nitrogen to a hydrocarbon group with an oxygen atom. ... Triglyceride lipids are composed of three ester linkages and are an extremely important biological molecule.

What is ester linkage and how does it form?

Esterification is a process in which a carbonyl group is attached with alcohol with a release of a water molecule. The bond formed between both organic molecules is called an ester linkage. ... The ester linkage is formed between the oxygen molecules of glycerol and the hydroxyl molecules of fatty acids.

What type of reaction forms an ester bond?

Esterification is a reversible reaction. Esters undergo hydrolysis under acid and basic conditions. Under acidic conditions, the reaction is the reverse reaction of the Fischer esterification. Under basic conditions, hydroxide acts as a nucleophile, while an alkoxide is the leaving group.