Functional Group of Ethyl Butyrate
Ethyl butyrate is an organic compound known for its fruity, pineapple-like aroma. It is commonly used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.
Chemical Nature
The molecular formula of ethyl butyrate is C6H12O2. It is formed through the reaction between:
- Butanoic acid (butyric acid) – a carboxylic acid
- Ethanol – an alcohol
This reaction produces an ester and water. The general structure of an ester functional group is:
Where:
R–COO–R'Where:
Ris an alkyl group from the acid (in this case, butyl from butanoic acid)R'is an alkyl group from the alcohol (ethyl from ethanol)
Functional Group
The functional group present in ethyl butyrate is the ester group (
–COO–).
Properties of the Ester Group
- Responsible for sweet and fruity aromas
- Relatively non-polar and volatile
- Formed by a condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol
Summary
Ethyl butyrate belongs to the class of compounds called esters, and its characteristic functional group is –COO–, which is central to its chemical behavior and distinctive fruity scent.