What are the products of the reaction between methanol and ethanoic acid?

Study for the Medical Chemistry Test. Explore multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready with engaging quizzes and comprehensive study materials.

Fischer esterification is the key idea here: a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst to form an ester and water. When methanol (the alcohol) reacts with ethanoic acid (the carboxylic acid), the product is the ester methyl ethanoate (methyl acetate) and water, with the reaction often driven forward by removing the water or using excess methanol. The other options correspond to different substances: ethanol with ethanoic acid would give ethyl ethanoate; formic acid with methanol would give methyl formate; dimethyl ether comes from dehydration of methanol, not from esterification with a carboxylic acid.