Chapter 20.9, Problem 17P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The products formed when benzoic acid $\left({\text{C}}_{\text{6}}{\text{H}}_{\text{5}}{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}\text{H}\right)$ is treated with ${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{OH}$ having its $\text{O}$ atom labeled with ${}^{\text{18}}\text{O}\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{}^{\text{18}}\text{OH}\right)$ are to be drawn and the labeled oxygen atom that resides in the product is to be indicated.

Concept introduction: Carboxylic acids react with alcohols in the presence of acid as a catalyst to form esters as the product. This reaction is known as Fischer esterification. This esterification is an equilibrium reaction, which can be driven to product by adding excess alcohol or removing ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$.