Asprin esterification reaction

[Jbreezy]

Homework Statement

Write the equation for the esterification reaction for acetic acid and ethyl
alcohol to form ethyl acetate.
•
Circle the acid functional group and underline the acidic hydrogen.
•
Circle the alcohol functional group

•
Circle the ester functional group.

The Attempt at a Solution

I came up with

CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH <--> CH3COOCH2CH3 + H20
The functional group would be for acid
CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH <--> CH3COOCH2CH3 + H20
The acidic hydrogen is
CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH <--> CH3COOCH2CH3 + H20


The alcohol function group is
CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH <--> CH3COOCH2CH3 + H20

The ester functional group
CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH <--> CH3COOCH2CH3 + H20
I'm really not sure about this.

If you can please help me sort this out and explain your reasoning. Thanks.

 

[chemisttree]

You have it.

What I would like to know is what this problem has to do with aspirin?

 

[Borek]

I would say there is more than just carbonyl to the ester group.

 

[Jbreezy]

The ester functional group
CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH <--> CH3COOCH2CH3 + H20
I looked up a definition.
Can you explain this to me? I can't find a very good definition.


To the person who asked what this problem has to do with aspirin. I'm not sure if this specific example has to do with aspirin but it is from a lab where we are making aspirin.
I just called it by that title.I'm not sure but I figure that is has something to do with it.
Thanks