This is an esterification reaction. Here's the chemical equation:

CH₃COOH (acetic acid) + CH₃OH (methanol) ⇌ CH₃COOCH₃ (methyl acetate) + H₂O (water)

Explanation:

* Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) has a carboxyl group (-COOH).

* Methanol (CH₃OH) has a hydroxyl group (-OH).

* In the reaction, the hydrogen from the carboxyl group of acetic acid combines with the hydroxyl group of methanol, forming water (H₂O).

* The remaining parts of the molecules combine to form methyl acetate (CH₃COOCH₃), an ester.

This reaction is reversible, meaning it can proceed in both directions. However, in the presence of a strong acid catalyst (like sulfuric acid), the equilibrium shifts to favor the formation of methyl acetate.