They dissociate only slightly in water to form an equilibrium mixture with the carboxylate ion. Carboxylic acids react with bases to produce carboxylate salts and water. Salts of Carboxylic Acids. The ionic nature of the salts makes them water soluble. Carboxylic acids, acid chlorides, and acid anhydrides react with alcohols to produce esters.
Polyesters result from the reaction of dicarboxylic acids and diols.
Nomenclature of Esters. Many esters are very fragrant. Esters are widely used as flavoring agents. Ethyl formate Rum Isopentyl acetate Banana Octyl acetate Orange Ethyl butyrate Pineapple Methyl butyrate Apple Isobutyl formate Raspberry Methyl salicylate Wintergreen Reactions of Esters. Esters can be converted back to carboxylic acids and alcohols under either acidic or basic conditions.