CH₃CH₂OH (ethanol) + CH₃COOH (acetic acid) ⇌ CH₃COOCH₂CH₃ (ethyl acetate) + H₂O (water)
Concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) acts as a catalyst, speeding up the reaction. It also removes water from the reaction mixture, shifting the equilibrium to the right, favoring the formation of ethyl acetate.
Key points about the reaction:
* Equilibrium: The reaction is reversible, meaning it can proceed in both directions.
* Catalyst: The sulfuric acid is not consumed in the reaction and can be used repeatedly.
* Esterification: The reaction produces an ester, ethyl acetate, which has a characteristic fruity smell.
