What is formed when a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol?

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Multiple Choice

What is formed when a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol?

Explanation:
When a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, esterification occurs. The alcohol’s oxygen attacks the carbonyl carbon of the acid, a water molecule is removed, and an ester is formed with the structure R-COOR'. This is why the product is an ester. An ether would come from a dehydration between two alcohol molecules, not from a carboxylic acid reacting with an alcohol, and neither the carboxylic acid nor the alcohol remains as such in the final product. The reaction specifically yields an ester plus water.

When a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, esterification occurs. The alcohol’s oxygen attacks the carbonyl carbon of the acid, a water molecule is removed, and an ester is formed with the structure R-COOR'. This is why the product is an ester. An ether would come from a dehydration between two alcohol molecules, not from a carboxylic acid reacting with an alcohol, and neither the carboxylic acid nor the alcohol remains as such in the final product. The reaction specifically yields an ester plus water.

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