* Butanoic acid (CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH): This is the carboxylic acid component of the ester.
* Methanol (CH₃OH): This is the alcohol component of the ester.
The reaction is an esterification reaction, which is a type of condensation reaction. A molecule of water is removed as the ester is formed.
Here's the chemical equation for the reaction:
CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH + CH₃OH ⇌ CH₃CH₂CH₂COOCH₃ + H₂O
Important Note: This reaction is typically carried out in the presence of a strong acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), to speed up the process.