What mass of ester can be obtained in the esterification reaction between 23 g formic acid and ethanol?

Find the amount of formic acid substance by the formula:

n = m: M.

M (HCOOH) = 46 g / mol.

n = 23 g: 46 g / mol = 0.5 mol.

Let’s compose the reaction equation, find the quantitative ratios of substances.

С2Н5ОН + HCOОH → HCOО – С2Н5 + H2O.

According to the reaction equation, there is 1 mole of ether per 1 mol of acid. Substances are in quantitative ratios 1: 1.

The amount of substance will be the same.

n (HCOOH) = n (HCOOC2H5) = 0.5 mol.

Let’s find the mass of the ether by the formula:

m = n × M,

M (HCOOC2H5) = 74 g / mol.

m = 0.5 mol × 74 g / mol = 37 g.

Answer: 37 g.