Propyl acetate is the ester that gives the odor and smell of pears. (9.4, 10.6, 14.3, 14.4)
b. Write the balanced chemical equation for the formation of propyl acetate.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants involved in the formation of propyl acetate. Esters are typically formed from an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. In this case, propyl acetate is formed from propanol and acetic acid.
2. Write the chemical formulas for the reactants: propanol is ${\text{C}}_3{\text{H}}_7\text{OH}$ and acetic acid is ${\text{CH}}_3\text{COOH}$.
3. Determine the products of the reaction. The esterification reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid produces an ester and water. Here, the ester is propyl acetate ${\text{CH}}_3{\text{COOCH}}_2{\text{CH}}_2{\text{CH}}_3$ and water ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$.
4. Write the unbalanced chemical equation: ${\text{C}}_3{\text{H}}_7\text{OH}+{\text{CH}}_3\text{COOH}\to {\text{CH}}_3{\text{COOCH}}_2{\text{CH}}_2{\text{CH}}_3+{\text{H}}_2\text{O}$.
5. Check the equation for balance. Ensure that the number of each type of atom on the reactant side is equal to the number on the product side. In this case, the equation is already balanced.

Key Concepts

Esterification Reaction

Esterification is a chemical reaction that forms an ester from an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. In this process, the hydroxyl group (-OH) from the acid and a hydrogen atom from the alcohol combine to release water (H2O), resulting in the formation of the ester. This reaction is typically catalyzed by an acid, which helps to drive the reaction to completion.

Balanced Chemical Equation

A balanced chemical equation represents a chemical reaction with equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. Balancing ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld, meaning that matter is neither created nor destroyed in the reaction. This is crucial for accurately depicting the reactants and products involved in the formation of propyl acetate.

Chemical Structure of Propyl Acetate

Propyl acetate is an ester formed from propanol (an alcohol) and acetic acid (a carboxylic acid). Its chemical structure consists of a propyl group (C3H7) attached to an acetate group (C2H3O2). Understanding its structure is essential for writing the correct balanced equation, as it helps identify the reactants and products involved in the esterification process.