WAEC Chemistry 2018 Theory — Question 13
Question 13 of 24 from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Chemistry 2018 Theory paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation.
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2.(c)(i) Define esterification. (ii) Give two uses of alkanoates. (iii) Give the products of the alkaline hydrolysis of ethyl ethanoate.
Model answer
(i) Esterification is the reaction between an alkanoic acid and an alkanol to produce an alkanoate (ester), in the presence of a mineral acid catalyst. (ii) Alkanoates are used as solvents for paints and nail varnishes, and are used as food flavourings due to their characteristic fragrance. (iii) With KOH: CH₃COOC₂H₅ + KOH → CH₃COOK + C₂H₅OH (potassium ethanoate and ethanol). With NaOH: CH₃COOC₂H₅ + NaOH → CH₃COONa + C₂H₅OH (sodium ethanoate and ethanol).
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