Here's how it's formed:
* Benzyl alcohol (C₆H₅CH₂OH) has a hydroxyl (-OH) group.
* Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) has a carboxyl (-COOH) group.
During esterification, the hydroxyl group from the alcohol and the hydrogen from the carboxyl group of the acid are removed as water (H₂O). The remaining fragments then combine to form the ester.
Reaction:
C₆H₅CH₂OH + CH₃COOH → C₆H₅CH₂OOCCH₃ + H₂O
Benzyl acetate (C₆H₅CH₂OOCCH₃) is a fragrant compound commonly used in perfumes and flavors.
