Esterification

Esterification is the reaction between an acid and an alcohol.[1] The products in a esterification reaction are an ester and water. The reaction of esterification happens slowly and must be made faster by acids. It is an example of a dehyrdation reaction or condensation reaction.[1] The reaction can be reversed and is then called hydrolysis because the ester is broken down with water.[1] For instance, when long-chain organic acids (which are called fatty acids) are esterified with glycerol, the ester is called a lipid or fat.[1] If the fatty acids have a lot of double bonds in the parent hydrocarbons, the fat is called unsaturated and is usually a liquid.[1] As an example, most vegetable oil (excluding vegetable shortening like Crisco) is considered an unsaturated fat.[1] In contrast, if the fatty acids have a few double bonds in the parent hydrocarbons, the fat is called saturated and is usually a solid. As an example, most animal fat is considered a saturated fat.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Lazar, Miriam A.; Tarendash, Albert (2020-06-19). Let's Review Regents: Physics--Physical Setting 2020. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-5062-7087-6.


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