Ester synthesis as an equilibrium reaction

The equilibrium of a reaction is independent of the reaction path. This can be demonstrated with the ester equilibrium. The acid-catalysed esterification of acetic acid and ethanol to ethyl acetate results in the same amount of ethyl acetate as the reverse reaction, the ester hydrolysis.

The students learn that in chemical equilibrium, the outward and reverse reactions are in equilibrium. They recognize that in a reaction solution at equilibrium, reactants and products are present simultaneously. Finally, they can determine the equilibrium constant K of their reaction and conclude that their reaction is complete.