What is the role of the acid catalyst in the Fischer esterification reaction below? CH3CH2OH + CH3CH2CO2H ⇌ CH3CH2CO2CH2CH3 + H2O (H+ catalyst) | Organic Chemistry | TheChemSolver

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What is the role of the acid catalyst in the Fischer esterification reaction below?
CH₃CH₂OH + CH₃CH₂CO₂H ⇌ CH₃CH₂CO₂CH₂CH₃ + H₂O (H⁺ catalyst)

A.

Shifts the equilibrium in the right-hand direction

B.

Neutralizes the base formed as a side product in the reaction

C.

Converts ethanol to a more reactive nucleophile

D.

Converts propanoic acid to a more reactive electrophile

✓ Correct

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