Which of the following is used as catalyst for the esterification of carboxylic acid and alcohol?

see full answer

Talk to JEE/NEET 2025 Toppers - Learn What Actually Works!

Real Strategies. Real People. Real Success Stories - Just 1 call away

An Intiative by Sri Chaitanya

Nitrous acid

Sulphuric acid

Sulphurous acid

Nitric acid

answer is B.

(Unlock A.I Detailed Solution for FREE)

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Check your Performance Today with our Free Mock Test used by Toppers!

Take Free Test

Detailed Solution

The classic synthesis is the Fischer esterification, which involves treating a carboxylic acid with an alcohol in the presence of a dehydrating agent:
RCO₂H + R′OH ⇌ RCO₂R′ + H₂O
The equilibrium constant for such reactions is about 5 for typical esters, e.g., ethyl acetate. The reaction is slow in the absence of a catalyst. Sulphuric acid is a typical catalyst for this reaction.

Watch 3-min video & get full concept clarity

Result Producing online coaching for JEE/NEET of south India

Largest All India Test Series for JEE/NEET

Best Online Course for IIT JEE

Best Online Course for NEET

Best Online Course for CBSE