The reaction of an alkanol with alkanioc acid is known as

Analyze the question: It asks for the name of the reaction between an alkanol (an alcohol, e.g. ethanol) and an alkanoic acid (a carboxylic acid, e.g. ethanoic acid).

Concept: When an alcohol reacts with a carboxylic acid, usually with a little concentrated H₂SO₄ as catalyst and with heating, an ester and water are formed. This reaction is called esterification.

General equation:

R-COOH + R'-OH ⇌ R-COOR' + H₂O

Solution:

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

Checking the other options:

• A. Dehydration: removal of water from a compound, e.g. alkanol → alkene with conc. H₂SO₄. Not this reaction.
• C. Halogenation: addition or substitution of halogens (Cl₂, Br₂). Not relevant here.
• D. Hydrogenation: addition of H₂ to unsaturated compounds (alkenes → alkanes) using a Ni catalyst.
• E. Saponification: alkaline hydrolysis of an ester or fat with NaOH or KOH to give soap and glycerol. This is essentially the reverse direction type of reaction (ester breakdown), not ester formation.

Answer: B. esterification.

Tip: Remember "Acid + Alcohol → Ester + Water". Esters often have fruity smells, which is a common follow-up question in NECO and WASSCE. Also, don't confuse esterification (making esters) with saponification (breaking esters with a base to make soap).