Distinguish Between Esterification And Saponification Reactions

• Carbon & its Compounds (C10)

Distinguish between esterification and saponification reactions with the help of the chemical equations for each. State one use of each (i) esters, and (ii) saponification process.

Esterification: A process in which an alcohol and a carboxylic acid react in the presence of conc. H₂SO₄ to form an ester.

CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH → CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O

Saponification: A process in which an ester reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium salt of an acid and alcohol. An ester reacts in the presence of an acid or a base to give back the alcohol and carboxylic acid.

CH₃COOC₂H₅ + NaOH → C₂H₅OH + CH₃COONa

Esters are used in ice creams and perfumes. Saponification process is used in preparation of soap.