Encyclopedia.com > Dictionaries, Thesauruses, Pictures, and Press Releases > A Dictionary of Biology > January 2004

esterification

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | 274 words | Copyright

esterification A condensation reaction of an alcohol with an acid to produce an ester and water; e.g. CH3OH + C6H5COOH ↔ CH3OOCC6H5 + H2O

The reaction is an equilibrium and is slow under normal conditions, but can be speeded up by addition of a strong acid catalyst.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"esterification." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"esterification." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-esterification.html

"esterification." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-esterification.html

Learn more about citation styles

Related research questions

For students and teachers!

Encyclopedia.com provides students and teachers facts, information, and biographies from verified, citable sources, including:

Encyclopedia.com provides students and teachers facts, information, and biographies from verified, citable sources, including: