Is the esterification of glyceryl ethanoate a reversible equation?
1 Answer
Yes, the formation of glyceryl ethanoate is reversible.
Explanation:
The acid-catalyzed formation of any ester is a reversible reaction.
The general equation is
To form glyceryl ethanoate, you would start with glycerol and ethanoic acid.
Since the reaction is reversible, you must use Le Châtelier's Principle to get a good yield of the ester.
You can do one of three things:
- Use a large excess of glycerol or
- Use a large excess of ethanoic acid or
- Remove the water as it is formed.
Each of these will shift the position to the right.