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Use of sodium carbonate in esterification with an equation
Accepted Answer
Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) is not directly used in esterification reactions. Esterification involves the reaction of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, typically a strong mineral acid like sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The sodium carbonate's basic nature would neutralize the acid catalyst, inhibiting the reaction.
Here's a general equation for esterification:
RCOOH + R'OH ⇌ RCOOR' + H2O
where:
RCOOH is the carboxylic acid
R'OH is the alcohol
RCOOR' is the ester
H2O is water
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