MCAT Organic Chemistry Question 121: Answer and Explanation
Home > MCAT Test > MCAT organic chemistry practice tests
Test Information
- Use your browser's back button to return to your test results.
- Do more MCAT organic chemistry practice tests.
Question: 121
1. Which of the following would be the best method of producing methyl propanoate?
- A. Reacting propanoic acid and methanol in the presence of a mineral acid
- B. Reacting methanoic acid and propanol in the presence of a mineral acid
- C. Reacting propanoic anhydride with an aqueous base
- D. Reacting propanoic acid with an aqueous base
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Methyl propanoate is an ester; it can be synthesized by reacting a carboxylic acid with an alcohol in the presence of acid. Here, the parent chain is propanoate, and the esterifying group is a methyl group. Choice (B) reverses the nomenclature, and would form propyl methanoate. The other reactions listed would not form esters.