Identify the product of the acid-catalyzed reaction of succinic acid with an excess of ethanol.
A) ethylbutanoate
B) 2-ethylbutanol
C) diethylbutanedioate
D) 2-ethylbutane

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction between succinic acid and excess ethanol under acidic conditions leads to the formation of diethyl succinate (diethylbutanedioate). The -COOH groups in succinic acid get protonated under acidic conditions and leave as water molecules, resulting in the formation of a reactive intermediate. Ethanol then attacks this intermediate to form diethyl succinate. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Identify the Product of the Acid-Catalyzed Reaction of Succinic Acid