Methyl benzoate, which smells like pineapple guava, is used to train detection dogs. (14.3, 14.4)


b. Write the IUPAC name for the carboxylic acid and alcohol used to prepare methyl benzoate.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure of methyl benzoate, which is an ester with the formula C6H5COOCH3.
2. Recognize that esters are formed from the reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
3. Determine the carboxylic acid part of the ester: the portion C6H5COO- corresponds to benzoic acid, which is C6H5COOH.
4. Determine the alcohol part of the ester: the portion -OCH3 corresponds to methanol, which is CH3OH.
5. Combine the names of the carboxylic acid and alcohol: benzoic acid and methanol are used to prepare methyl benzoate.

Key Concepts

Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH). They are known for their acidic properties and are commonly found in various natural substances. In the context of methyl benzoate, the relevant carboxylic acid is benzoic acid, which has a benzene ring attached to the carboxyl group.

Alcohols

Alcohols are organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to a carbon atom. They can be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the carbon's bonding. For the synthesis of methyl benzoate, the alcohol used is methanol, a simple alcohol with one carbon atom, which reacts with benzoic acid to form the ester.

Esterification Reaction

Esterification is a chemical reaction that forms an ester from an alcohol and a carboxylic acid, typically in the presence of an acid catalyst. This reaction involves the condensation of the hydroxyl group from the acid and a hydrogen atom from the alcohol, resulting in the release of water. Methyl benzoate is produced through the esterification of benzoic acid and methanol.