The reaction between ethanol and ethanoic acid in the presence of conc. sulphuric acid is called

Options

A. neutralisation
B. saponification
C. dehydration
D. esterification

Answer

To solve the question regarding the reaction between ethanol and ethanoic acid in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactants**:
- The reactants in this reaction are ethanol (C2H5OH) and ethanoic acid (CH3COOH).

2. **Understand the Role of Concentrated Sulfuric Acid**:
- Concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) acts as a catalyst in this reaction. It helps to speed up the reaction without being consumed in the process.

3. **Write the Reaction**:
- When ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid, the reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{C2H5OH} + \text{CH3COOH} \xrightarrow{\text{H2SO4} \text{ (conc.)}} \text{C2H5COOCH3} + \text{H2O} \]
- The product formed is ethyl ethanoate (C2H5COOCH3) and water (H2O).

4. **Identify the Type of Reaction**:
- The reaction between an alcohol (ethanol) and a carboxylic acid (ethanoic acid) to form an ester (ethyl ethanoate) and water is known as esterification.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the reaction between ethanol and ethanoic acid in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid is called **esterification**.

### Final Answer:
The reaction is called **esterification**.

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