When an ester is formed via a condensation reaction with elimination of water, the oxygen atom in the water molecule comes from

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the formation of ester, the oxygen atom in the water molecule comes from the hydroxyl group of the acid after elimination of water. This is because in a condensation reaction, a molecule of water is eliminated during the reaction, and the oxygen atom present in the hydroxyl group participates in the formation of the new ester bond. The alcohol molecule only contributes the alkyl group, while the aldehyde and carbonyl group of the acid do not have any role in the formation of the water molecule. The solvent is also not involved in the reaction. Therefore, the best choice is A.

When an Ester Is Formed Via a Condensation Reaction with Elimination