ester etymology

Etymology

The word "ester" is derived from the German word "Essigäther," meaning "vinegar ether." It was first coined in 1847 by the German chemist Leopold Gmelin.

Meaning

An ester is an organic compound that is derived from the condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Esters have the general formula RCOOR', where R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups.

Origin

Esters were first discovered in the 18th century by the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier. Lavoisier reacted acetic acid with ethanol in the presence of sulfuric acid and obtained a new compound with a pleasant fruity odor. This compound was later identified as ethyl acetate, the first known ester.

Esters are ubiquitous in nature. They are found in fruits, flowers, and essential oils, where they contribute to the characteristic flavors and aromas. Esters are also used in a wide variety of industrial applications, including the production of solvents, plasticizers, and perfumes.

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