Reaction between Chloroethane and Ethanoic Acid

When chloroethane (C2H5Cl) reacts with ethanoic acid (CH3COOH), an esterification reaction takes place. This reaction is an example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction, where the chlorine atom in chloroethane is replaced by the ethanoate group from ethanoic acid.

Reaction Mechanism:
1. The first step involves the nucleophilic attack of the lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom of the ethanoic acid molecule on the carbon atom of the chloroethane molecule.
2. This attack results in the formation of a new bond between the carbon atom of chloroethane and the oxygen atom of the ethanoic acid, leading to the formation of an intermediate compound called ethyl ethanoate.
3. Simultaneously, the chlorine atom in chloroethane gets detached, leaving a chloride ion (Cl-) behind.
4. The ethyl ethanoate molecule is formed as a result of this reaction.

Chemical Equation:
C2H5Cl + CH3COOH → CH3COOC2H5 + HCl

Properties of Ethyl Ethanoate:
- Ethyl ethanoate, also known as ethyl acetate, is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor.
- It is volatile, meaning it evaporates easily.
- It is commonly used as a solvent in various industries, including paints, coatings, and adhesives.

Key Points:
- Chloroethane (C2H5Cl) reacts with ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) to form ethyl ethanoate (CH3COOC2H5) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
- The reaction is an esterification reaction, where the ethanoate group from ethanoic acid replaces the chlorine atom in chloroethane.
- The reaction proceeds via a nucleophilic substitution mechanism.
- Ethyl ethanoate is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor and is commonly used as a solvent.

Overall, the reaction between chloroethane and ethanoic acid results in the formation of ethyl ethanoate and hydrochloric acid.