Answer to Question #3924 in Organic Chemistry for Luqman Aslam

Question

Why esterification is faster in case of formic acid

Answer 1

Some groups, such as the alkyl group are less electron-withdrawing than hydrogen and are therefore considered as electron-releasing. This is electron releasing character and is indicated by the +I effect. It facilitates Loss of water from this oxonium ion ( and subsequent deprotonation gives the ester)