To verify the cleavage mechanism of Fischer esterification, Acetic acid is reacted with O-18 isotopically labeled Ethanol (). Where does the heavy oxygen isotope strictly end up?

Question

To verify the cleavage mechanism of Fischer esterification, Acetic acid is reacted with O-18 isotopically labeled Ethanol ($CH_3CH_2-^{18}OH$). Where does the heavy oxygen isotope strictly end up?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. The isotope remains entirely inside the ester (), definitively proving that the forward esterification cleaves the acyl bond of the acid and the bond of the alcohol.

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