ESTERS MENU

Background . . .

An introduction to esters, including large esters like animal or vegetable fats and oils.

Preparation of esters . . .

Their preparation from alcohols (and phenols) reacting with carboxylic acids, acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides as appropriate.

The hydrolysis of esters . . .

The hydrolysis of esters using water, acids or alkalis (including soap making).

Polyesters . . .

A summary of the chemistry of simple polyesters like Terylene, including their formation, structure, hydrolysis and uses.

Go to menu of other organic compounds . . .

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