The product of an esterification reaction between which of the following molecules would be an oil?
I.CH₃ (CH₂) ₁₄COOH
II.CH₃ (CH₂) ₇CH
CH(CH₂) ₇COOH
III.HOCH₂CH₂OH
IV.HOCH₂CH(OH) CH₂OH

Question

The product of an esterification reaction between which of the following molecules would be an oil?
I.CH₃ (CH₂) ₁₄COOH
II.CH₃ (CH₂) ₇CH

The product of an esterification reaction between which of the following molecules would be an oil? I.CH<sub>3</sub> (CH<sub>2</sub>) <sub>14</sub>COOH II.CH<sub>3</sub> (CH<sub>2</sub>) <sub>7</sub>CH CH(CH<sub>2</sub>) <sub>7</sub>COOH III.HOCH<sub>2</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>OH IV.HOCH<sub>2</sub>CH(OH) CH<sub>2</sub>OH A) I and IV B) II and III C) II and IV D) I and III E) I and II

CH(CH₂) ₇COOH
III.HOCH₂CH₂OH
IV.HOCH₂CH(OH) CH₂OH

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order for a molecule to be an oil, it must have a high molecular weight and be nonpolar or only slightly polar. Molecules I and III are both polar due to the presence of carboxylic acid and hydroxyl functional groups, respectively, and therefore are unlikely to form oils. Molecule II contains a carboxylic acid and an alcohol functional group, but also has a long, nonpolar hydrocarbon chain, which could potentially form an oil. However, molecule IV contains two hydroxyl groups and a shorter hydrocarbon chain, which means it is less likely to form an oil. Therefore, the only combination of molecules that could potentially form an oil is II and IV, making choice C the correct answer.

The Product of an Esterification Reaction Between Which of the Following