Esters are organic compounds having hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. They’re formed through esterification – a reaction between alcohol and carboxylic acid. During this reaction, a water molecule is eliminated, creating an organic compound. There are many types of esters, such as ethyl acetate, butyl acrylate, and methyl formate.
These compounds are commonly known because of the pleasant taste, smells, and flavors that they produce. Read on to know the importance of esters.
Use of Esters in everyday life
1. Formation Of Oils And Fats
Without oils and fats, your food will not be as tasty as it is. Oils and fats are produced by a reaction between glycerol and fatty acids. The molecules formed are known as triglyceride esters because every reaction requires a glycerol molecule.
2. Food And Drug Preservation
Industries use esters called parabens to preserve food and drugs. That’s because they can inhibit the growth of microorganisms like yeast and mold.
Some esters are also used to manufacture medical drugs. Aspirin is an example of a drug manufactured from organic esters. The acid used to make drugs is usually salicylic acid that has hydroxyl and carboxylic groups. They can react as alcohol or acid.
It’s salicylic acid responsible for reducing temperature and headache pains when you swallow an aspirin tablet. Studies also show that it reduces the chances of a blood clot and inhibits heart crises. When salicylic acid is added to an acetyl group, its acidity effect decreases, becoming tasteless.
The acids produced by esters may excite the stomach walls and cause ulcers. That’s why most doctors recommend crashing aspiring tablets and dissolving them in water before swallowing. Some types of aspirin are mixed with alkaline substances to neutralize their acidity. This makes it not corrode the stomach.
3. Making Polyesters (Polymers)
Polyesters are formed when two monomers –dihydric alcohol and dibasic acid are condensed. Dacron fiber is an example of a polyester made from a reaction between ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
The condensation process takes place until the alcohol completely reacts with the carboxylic group. When the process is repeated, a long molecule called a polyester is created. Dacron is a polymer that can be used to manufacture artificial heart valves and replace spoiled arteries. Polymers are also used to manufacture textiles.
4. Manufacturing Soap
When triglycerides are hydrolyzed in strong alkalis like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, glycerol is produced. This reaction is known as saponification and is used to manufacture soap. The long-chain molecules give it the power to eliminate dirt from surfaces, shirts, human skin, and other solids.
Their sweet-smelling property and low molecular mass also make them suitable for the manufacturing of perfume and cosmetics. Esters with very low molecular mass give the strongest odors. They’re also used to improve the smell and flavor of processed foods. They’re often referred to as artificial flavors on processed food labels.
Smaller esters such as ethyl ethanoate are also used in polished nail removers, sunburn lotions, glues, and plasticizers.
6. Perfumes and Cosmetics:
Esters with sweet-smelling properties and low molecular mass are employed in the manufacturing of perfumes and cosmetics. Their inclusion enhances the scent and overall appeal of these products.
7. Everyday Products:
Smaller esters, such as ethyl ethanoate, find application in everyday items like polished nail removers, sunburn lotions, glues, and plasticizers. Their versatility makes them essential in the production of a wide range of consumer goods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About the Importance of Esters in Daily Life:
Q1: What are esters?
A1: Esters are organic compounds composed of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. They are formed through esterification, a reaction between alcohol and carboxylic acid, resulting in the elimination of a water molecule.
Q2: Why are esters known for pleasant tastes and smells?
A2: Esters exhibit pleasing tastes, smells, and flavors. This characteristic makes them commonly used in various products, contributing to sensory experiences like fragrance and taste.
Q3: How do esters contribute to the formation of oils and fats in food?
A3: Oils and fats are produced by the reaction between glycerol and fatty acids, forming triglyceride esters. These esters enhance the taste and palatability of food items.
Q4: What role do esters play in food and drug preservation?
A4: Esters, such as parabens, are utilized in industries for preserving food and drugs due to their ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms like yeast and mold.
Q5: Can you provide an example of a drug manufactured from organic esters?
A5: Aspirin is an example of a drug manufactured from organic esters. Salicylic acid, with hydroxyl and carboxylic groups, is used in its production and has various health benefits.
Q6: How are polyesters, such as Dacron, formed from esters?
A6: Polyesters are formed through the condensation of dihydric alcohol and dibasic acid. Dacron, for instance, is made from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, finding applications in artificial heart valves and textiles.
Q7: What is saponification, and how are esters involved in soap manufacturing?
A7: Saponification is the hydrolysis of triglycerides in strong alkalis, yielding glycerol. This process is employed in soap manufacturing, with the long-chain molecules in soap effectively removing dirt from surfaces.
Q8: In what everyday products are smaller esters, like ethyl ethanoate, commonly used?
A8: Smaller esters, such as ethyl ethanoate, find application in polished nail removers, sunburn lotions, glues, and plasticizers, showcasing their versatility in everyday items.
Q9: Why are esters used in perfumes and cosmetics?
A9: Esters with sweet-smelling properties and low molecular mass are employed in perfumes and cosmetics to enhance scent and overall product appeal.
Q10: How do esters contribute to the manufacturing of processed foods and artificial flavors?
A10: Esters with low molecular mass are used to improve the smell and flavor of processed foods, often referred to as artificial flavors on food labels. Their inclusion enhances the sensory experience of these products.
Bottom Line
Esters are used to manufacturing essential products that you use in your daily life. Knowing the specific esters used in soaps, lotions, polymers, food and drug preservation, and oil and fats formation will help you know the chemicals you use.
