Esters are formed by the condensation reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. This is known as esterification. In a condensation reaction, two molecules join and produce a larger molecule whilst eliminating a small molecule. During esterification this small molecule is water.

How does esterification occur?

Esterification occurs when a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol. This reaction can only occur in the presence of an acid catalyst and heat. ... This reaction lost an -OH from the carboxylic acid and a hydrogen from the alcohol. These two also combine to form water.

How do you make an ester?

Esters occur naturally - often as fats and oils - but they can be made in the laboratory by reacting an alcohol with an organic acid . A little sulfuric acid is needed as a catalyst . So, to make ethyl ethanoate, you would need to react ethanol with ethanoic acid.