What are the esters formed from fumaric acid and propanol ?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the esters formed from fumaric acid and propanol, as well as other acids and alcohols, including succinic acid with butanol and citric acid with methanol. Participants explore the naming of these esters and their potential odors.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant lists the esters as propyl fumarate, butyl succinate, and methyl citrate, suggesting they may have a fruity smell.
  • Another participant questions whether the esterification process stops after one carboxyl group reacts, noting that all three acids have multiple carboxyl groups.
  • A third participant mentions the interest in the odors of esters and references external resources for further exploration of this topic.
  • A later reply provides alternative names for the esters as difumaric acid, disuccinic acid, and trimethyl citrate, indicating a different perspective on the products formed.
  • One participant seeks clarification on how difumaric acid qualifies as an ester.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the naming and formation of esters, with no consensus reached regarding the specific products or their characteristics.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes uncertainties about the esterification process and the implications of multiple carboxyl groups in the acids involved. There are also references to the potential variability in odors associated with the esters.

Alpha123
Messages
14
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


what are the esters formed by:
-fumaricacid and propanol?
- succinic acid and butanol
-citric acid and methanol
and how does each one smell

Homework Equations


none

The Attempt at a Solution


I have drawn out each of the structural diagrams but i couldn't draw the esters. My attemp at naming them are propyl fumarate ,butyl succinate, and methyl citrate. I am guessing they have a fruity smell.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is a bit tricky. Names you listed so far are not off, but from the way problem is worded it is not clear whether the esterification stops after one carboxyl group reacted - and all three acids have more than one carboxyl acid group.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Alpha123
The odours are possibly of some interest, worthy to be aware of. You can easily find articles and lists via Google e.g. here https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ester - there is a big culture and for that matter commerce around odours of esters.
To experience if possible. But to have to have to conscentiously learn them from a book! :rolleyes:

When a chemical substance is said to have a given odour it might be due to a minor contaminant, but all these esters are easily purified and it's OK.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Alpha123
the answers were difumaric acid, disuccini acid and trimethyl citrate. Thanks for your help everyone !
 
Alpha123 said:
difumaric acid

And how it is an ester?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K