An ester is formed when a carboxylic acid reacts with a(n) _________________Group of answer choicesalcoholcarboxylic acidaldehydeketone

The correct answer is "alcohol."

Explanation:

An ester is a type of organic compound formed through a reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. This reaction is known as esterification and commonly releases a molecule of water (H₂O) as a byproduct.

During the esterification process, the hydroxyl group (–OH) from the carboxylic acid combines with a hydrogen atom (H) from the alcohol, resulting in the formation of water and leaving behind the ester functional group (–COO–). The general reaction can be represented as follows:

$\text{R-COOH} + \text{R'-OH} \rightarrow \text{R-COOR'} + \text{H}_2\text{O}$

Where:

• R-COOH is the carboxylic acid,
• R'-OH is the alcohol,
• R-COOR' is the ester produced.

This reaction is significant in organic chemistry and is widely used in the production of various esters, which are often responsible for the pleasant fragrances and flavors in many fruits and plants.