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Most of the Fischer esterification mechanism is identical
Chapter 14, Problem 13P(choose chapter or problem)
Most of the Fischer esterification mechanism is identical with the mechanism of acetal formation. The difference is in the final step, where a carbocation loses a proton to give the ester. Write mechanisms for the following reactions, with the comparable steps directly above and
below each other. Explain why the final step of the esterification (proton loss) cannot occur in
acetal formation, and show what happens instead.
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Most of the Fischer esterification mechanism is identical with the mechanism of acetal formation. The difference is in the final step, where a carbocation loses a proton to give the ester. Write mechanisms for the following reactions, with the comparable steps directly above and
below each other. Explain why the final step of the esterification (proton loss) cannot occur in
acetal formation, and show what happens instead.
ANSWER:
Solution 13P