Octet / Reactions
Fischer Esterification
Fischer Esterification (Carbonyl.) Converts CC(=O)O to CC(=O)OC using MeOH, H₂SO₄ (cat.). Conditions: Reflux, remove water.
Carbonyl
Reaction details
Name
Fischer Esterification
Type
Carbonyl
Starting Material
CC(=O)O
Product
CC(=O)OC
Reagents
MeOH
H₂SO₄ (cat.)
Conditions
Reflux, remove water
Mechanism
- Smiles
CC(=O)O
- Description
Acetic acid
- Smiles
CC(=O)O
- Description
Protonation activates carbonyl
- Smiles
CC(=O)OC
- Description
Alcohol attacks, water leaves → methyl acetate
Tips
Equilibrium reaction - remove water to drive forward
Alternatively: use excess alcohol
Reverse reaction = acid-catalyzed ester hydrolysis
Related Reactions
ester-hydrolysis
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