Heating mxiture of ethyl alcohol and acetic acid in presence of conc. ` H_(2) SO_(4)` produces a fruity smelling compound. This reaction is called :

Options

A. Neutralisation
B. Ester hydrolysis
C. Esterification
D. Williamson's synthesis

Answer

To solve the question, we need to identify the reaction that occurs when a mixture of ethyl alcohol and acetic acid is heated in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). This reaction produces a fruity smelling compound, which is an ester. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
The reactants in this reaction are:
- Ethyl alcohol (C₂H₅OH)
- Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)

### Step 2: Understand the Role of Concentrated H₂SO₄
Concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) acts as a catalyst in this reaction. It helps in the dehydration process, facilitating the formation of the ester.

### Step 3: Write the Reaction
When ethyl alcohol reacts with acetic acid in the presence of concentrated H₂SO₄, the reaction can be represented as follows:
\[ \text{C₂H₅OH} + \text{CH₃COOH} \xrightarrow{\text{H₂SO₄}} \text{CH₃COOC₂H₅} + \text{H₂O} \]
Here, CH₃COOC₂H₅ is ethyl acetate, the fruity smelling compound (ester), and H₂O is water.

### Step 4: Identify the Product
The product formed from this reaction is ethyl acetate (CH₃COOC₂H₅), which is known for its fruity smell.

### Step 5: Name the Reaction
The reaction that occurs is known as **esterification**. This is a process where an alcohol reacts with a carboxylic acid to form an ester and water.

### Conclusion
Thus, the answer to the question is that the reaction of heating a mixture of ethyl alcohol and acetic acid in the presence of concentrated H₂SO₄ produces a fruity smelling compound, and this reaction is called **esterification**.

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