Which products are formed when ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol in the presence of an acid catalyst?

The correct option is An ester and water.

Explanation

The reaction described is known as esterification. This is a fundamental organic reaction in which a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst to form an ester and water.

Reaction Analysis:

• Reactants: The reaction involves Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH), which is a carboxylic acid, and Ethanol (C₂H₅OH), which is an alcohol.
• Mechanism: In the presence of an acid catalyst (such as concentrated sulfuric acid), a condensation reaction occurs. The carboxylic acid loses a hydroxyl group (-OH) and the alcohol loses a hydrogen atom (-H).
• Products: These eliminated groups combine to form water (H₂O). The remaining organic fragments bond to form Ethyl ethanoate (CH₃COOC₂H₅), which is an ester. Esters are characterized by their sweet, fruity odors.
• Chemical Equation:
  CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH ⇌ CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O

Key Takeaway: Esterification is the process of forming an ester and water by heating a carboxylic acid with an alcohol in the presence of a catalytic amount of strong acid.