Ester

Definition

Esters are organic compounds formed by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol, where the hydrogen in the acid's hydroxyl group is replaced by an alkyl group from the alcohol. They often have distinctive fragrances and are used in making perfumes and flavorings.

Related terms

Carboxylic Acid:

Organic compounds characterized by containing a carboxyl group (-COOH), which reacts with alcohols to form esters.

Alcohol:

Organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon atom, used in the formation of esters.

Hydrolysis:

A chemical reaction involving water that breaks down compounds such as esters into their original acid and alcohol components