Ester 1:

Problem

Solution

The acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of methyl butyrate 1 affords butyric acid 2 and methanol. The reverse reaction, the esterification of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol, can be effected with an acid catalyst in the absence of water (Fischer esterification). The mineral acid catalyst (H2SO4, HCl, etc.) serves to increase the rate of the reaction. Click here.