Ester Nomenclature (IUPAC Rules)

 🧪 Ester Nomenclature (IUPAC Rules)

① What is an Ester?
An ester is an organic compound derived from a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
It has the general formula:
R–COO–R'
where R comes from the acid and R′ comes from the alcohol.

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② Formation:
Esterification reaction:
Carboxylic acid + Alcohol → Ester + Water
Example:
CH₃COOH + CH₃OH → CH₃COOCH₃ + H₂O

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③ IUPAC Naming Rules:

1. Identify the alkyl group (R′) from the alcohol part → becomes the first word of the name.

2. Identify the acid part (R–COO) and change the suffix “-ic acid” → “-ate.”

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④ Examples:

Structure	Acid part	Alcohol part	IUPAC Name	Common Name
CH₃COOCH₃	Ethanoic acid	Methanol	Methyl ethanoate	Methyl acetate
CH₃COOC₂H₅	Ethanoic acid	Ethanol	Ethyl ethanoate	Ethyl acetate
C₂H₅COOCH₃	Propanoic acid	Methanol	Methyl propanoate	—
HCOOC₂H₅	Methanoic acid	Ethanol	Ethyl methanoate	Ethyl formate

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⑤ General Formula of Ester:

CₙH₂ₙO₂

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⑥ Uses:

• Fragrances and perfumes (pleasant smell)

• Flavoring agents in food

• Solvents (e.g., ethyl acetate in nail polish remover)

• Plasticizers and pharmaceuticals

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🗳️ Poll for Engagement:
Which feature of esters do you find most fascinating?

• 🅐 Their pleasant smell

• 🅑 Their role in chemistry

• 🅒 Their use as solvents

• 🅓 Their natural occurrence in fruits