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Esterification is a chemical reaction between an acid and an alcohol that produces an ester and water. The reaction is typically catalyzed by an acid, such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. The general reaction can be written as follows:
RCOOH + R'OH → RCOOR' + H2O
where R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups. Esters are typically sweet-smelling and are often used as flavorings and fragrances.