Synthesis of Aspirin and Flavoring Esters By: Leah Warkel and Matt Glattfelder Introduction An ester is an organic compound that is formed by combining a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.1 It has the general formula R-CO-OR’.2 If an alcohol undergoes a condensation reaction, an ester is formed. This is reversible however, so if an ester undergoes hydrolysis, an alcohol is formed.1 A condensation reaction is when a molecule combines with another molecule to produce a larger molecule and a smaller […]
