Esterification

Esterification is the reaction between an acid and an alcohol. The products in a esterification reaction are an ester and water. The reaction of esterification happens slowly and must be made faster by acids. It is an example of a dehyrdation reaction or condensation reaction. The reaction can be reversed and is then called hydrolysis because the ester is broken down with water. For instance, when long-chain organic acids (which are called fatty acids) are esterified with glycerol, the ester is called a lipid or fat. If the fatty acids have a lot of double bonds in the parent hydrocarbons, the fat is called unsaturated and is usually a liquid. As an example, most vegetable oil (excluding vegetable shortening like Crisco) is considered an unsaturated fat. In contrast, if the fatty acids have a few double bonds in the parent hydrocarbons, the fat is called saturated and is usually a solid. As an example, most animal fat is considered a saturated fat.

 References 

Category:Organic reactions