Question

Distinguish between esterification and saponification reactions with the help of chemical equations for each.

Answer 1

In both the reaction ester compound plays an important role. In esterification reaction, the ester is generated and in saponification reaction hydrolysis of ester is done to get the required product. The products formed in both reactions have vital importance in daily needs.

Complete step by step answer:
Esterification reaction: Esterification reaction is a type of reaction where a carboxylic group containing chemical compound is reacted with alcohol group chemical compound in presence of sulfuric acid to form a product containing ester group with the elimination of water.
The general esterification reaction is given as shown below.
$RCOOH + ROH \to RCOOR + {H_2}O$
Here, R is an alkyl group.
Example of esterification reaction:
$C{H_3}COOH + C{H_3}C{H_2}OH\xrightarrow{{{H_2}S{O_4}}}C{H_3}COOC{H_2}C{H_3} + {H_2}O$
In this reaction, acetic acid reacts with ethanol in presence of sulfuric acid to form ethyl acetate and water.
Ester has a fruity smell and is used in vinegar.
Saponification reaction: Saponification reaction is a type of reaction where hydrolysis of an ester takes place in presence of base NaOH or KOH to form an alcohol and sodium or potassium salt of the acid (soap).
The general equation for saponification reaction is given as shown below.
$Ester + Base \to Alcohol + Soap$
Example of saponification reaction:
$C{H_3}COOC{H_2}C{H_3} + NaOH \to C{H_3}C{H_2}COONa + C{H_3}OH$
In this ethyl acetate reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium acetate and methanol.
Sodium salt of acid or soap is used in household activities in detergents.

Note: Esterification reaction can also take place between acid anhydride and alcohol, acid chloride and alcohol. The reverse of esterification reaction is hydrolysis.