Acetate esters

Acetate esters have the chemical formula CH3COOR (where R is an organic group like an alkyl or aryl group). It is made when acetic acid reacts with an alcohol to make an acetic ester and water.

The reaction between acetic acid and ethanol gives ethyl acetate and water:

CH3COOH + CH3OH ⇌ CH3COOC2H5 + H2O

Acetate salts

Acetate salts are made when acetic acid reacts with a base (like sodium hydroxide).

The reaction between acetic acid and sodium hydroxide gives sodium acetate and water:

CH3COOH + NaOH —> CH3COONa + H2O

Examples