Question

Amy is considering embarking on a business that sells scented oils. She would like to create a “fruity” scent, and she has found out from her friend Ryan in Grade 12 U Chemistry, that methyl propyl methanoate will produce this particular odour. What two reactants would Ryan need to obtain to help Amy create this fruity scent? Write the chemical equation for such a reaction, including the chemical structures and names of the reactants and the products. Don’t forget to include necessary reaction conditions if applicable.

Answer 1

 methyl propyl methanoate will produce by the Fischer esterification of isobutanol with formic acid, with the aid of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid. It is used as a flavor and fragrance ingredient because of its odor which is sweet, ethereal, and slightly fruity.