Which compound is an ester?

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Multiple Choice

Which compound is an ester?

Esters are compounds in which a carboxyl group (R-COOH) has its acidic hydrogen replaced by an alkyl group, giving a structure like R-CO-O-R'. In other words, you’ll see a carbonyl carbon connected to an oxygen that is itself bonded to an alkyl group. Among the options, an alcohol (ethanol) and a carboxylic acid (benzoic acid) are not esters. Ethyl salicylate is the ethyl ester of salicylic acid, and ethyl benzoate is the ethyl ester of benzoic acid, so both are esters. The question as written has two correct choices, not a unique single ester.

Esters are compounds in which a carboxyl group (R-COOH) has its acidic hydrogen replaced by an alkyl group, giving a structure like R-CO-O-R'. In other words, you’ll see a carbonyl carbon connected to an oxygen that is itself bonded to an alkyl group. Among the options, an alcohol (ethanol) and a carboxylic acid (benzoic acid) are not esters. Ethyl salicylate is the ethyl ester of salicylic acid, and ethyl benzoate is the ethyl ester of benzoic acid, so both are esters. The question as written has two correct choices, not a unique single ester.

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