What is the odor produced when carboxylic acid and alcohol is mixed?

Answer 1

This question needs to be more specific - when a carboxylic acid and an alcohol are reacted (usually in the presence of a dehydrating agent, e.g. conc. sulfuric acid), the major product is generally an ester.

Esters can have a variety of odours depending on the identity of the carboxylic acid and alcohol. The odour relates to the volatility of the ester, which allows its to be breathed into the nasal passage, and to structural complementarity between the molecule and receptors in the olfactory bulb.


I've found a list of common esters and their odours at the bottom of this web page:


http://www.3rd1000.com/chem301/chem301v.htm


I'm sure that many other sites have more extensive information than this.

Answer 2

Yes when a carboxylic acid and alcohol are mixed together, they will form an ester, because the reaction will undergo a dehydration reaction and water will be removed. this is called esterification.

carboxylic acid + alcohol ----> ester

Answer 3

The odor produced when a carboxylic acid and alcohol are mixed can vary depending on the specific compounds involved. Generally, the reaction can produce esters, which often have pleasant fruity or flowery odors.

Answer 4

A pinelike smell, similar to what is found in car fresheners. (It is a constituent of "oil of wintergreen")