The reaction between alkanoic acids and alkanols in the presence of an acid catalyst is known as

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the name of the reaction between an alkanoic acid (a carboxylic acid, R-COOH) and an alkanol (an alcohol, R'-OH) when an acid catalyst is present.

2. Explain the concept When a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol, the product is an ester and water. The reaction is reversible and is catalysed by a strong acid, usually concentrated H₂SO₄. This is called esterification.

3. Solution, step by step

General equation:

R-COOH + R'-OH ⇌ R-COOR' + H₂O (conc. H₂SO₄ catalyst, heat)

Example:

CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH ⇌ CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O (ethanoic acid + ethanol → ethyl ethanoate + water)

Now let's check each option:

• A. Saponification is the alkaline hydrolysis of an ester or fat with NaOH or KOH, which gives soap and glycerol. It is not the reaction in the question.
• B. Dehydration is the removal of water from a single compound, such as ethanol → ethene. It is not a reaction between an acid and an alcohol.
• C. Esterification is the acid-catalysed reaction of an alkanoic acid with an alkanol, which gives an ester and water. This matches the question.
• D. Hydrolysis is the breakdown of an ester by water, which is the reverse of esterification.

4. Answer The correct option is C. esterification.

5. Exam tip Remember this: acid + alcohol → ester + water is esterification, and the reverse is hydrolysis. Esters often have a fruity smell, and JAMB likes to ask about that too. Also remember that saponification always involves a base (NaOH or KOH), while esterification involves an acid catalyst.