Esters Menu

An introduction to esters, including large esters like animal or vegetable fats and oils.

Their preparation from alcohols (and phenols) reacting with carboxylic acids, acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides as appropriate.

The hydrolysis of esters using water, acids or alkalis (including soap making).

A summary of the chemistry of simple polyesters like Terylene, including their formation, structure, hydrolysis and uses.