Question

Draw mechanism (with flow of electrons, charges, and steps, where applicable) of esterification reaction of cyanoacetic acid and isobutyl alcohol catalyzed by sulfuric acid

Answer 1

Answer:

Attached is the scheme

Explanation:

It is basically about Fisher´s esterification. This one have 6 steps.

1. cyanoacetic acid is protonade by acid environment (H2SO4)
2. Positive charge in carbon alpha produces nucleophilic attack from isobutyl alcohol.
3. Free electron from acid oxygen attack produces a proton transfer to alcohol oxygen
4. A molecule of water is released
5. Double bond between acid alpha carbon and oxygen is reestablished and a H+ is released.
6. A ester is obtained