Question

What is the Fischer esterification mechanism?

Answer 1

Well, it is simply nucleophile and electrophile as is standard....

Explanation:

`RCO_2H + R'OH stackrel(H^+)rarrRCO_2R' + H_2O`

Here the alcohol is the nucleophile, and it adds to the PROTONATED carboxyl group, i.e. `RC=stackrel(+)O(H)(OH)`....elimination of water yields the ester....this is a slow reaction, and they are usually performed under reflux over a few hours or even overnight.....

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