Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

organic chemistry

Ailurophile03

why is the answer not A

(edited 4 years ago)

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Reply 1

Pigster

Original post by Ailurophile03

why is the answer not A

Esterification of carboxylic acids is slow.

Esterification of acyl chlorides is fast.

Reply 2

MedicPls

Original post by Pigster

Esterification of carboxylic acids is slow.

Esterification of acyl chlorides is fast.

Could you please answer what is the reasoning behind esterification being faster/slower for the different options? I would have thought since 2 bonds need to be broken in the esterification of acyl chlorider (Cl bond & a H bond on the alcohol's O after it has attacked), as opposed to just 1 bond being broken on carboxylic acids (O-H bond), it would be a slower reaction with acyl chlorides.

Reply 3

Pigster

Original post by MedicPls

They proceed by different mechanisms.

Carboxylic acids require an acid catalyst, whereas acyl chlorides do not. The mere requirement of a catalyst should suggest that the reaction isn't likely to be too fast.