Question

The order of reactivity methyl alcohol (\[I\] ), isopropyl alcohol (\[II\] ), tertiary alcohol (\[III\] ) and ethyl alcohol (\[IV\] ) for esterification in decreasing order will be:
A. $I > II > III > IV$
B. $IV > III > II > I$
C. $I > IV > II > III$
D. $I > IV > III > II$

Answer 1

Hint: In chemistry, an ester is a chemical compound derived from an acid (organic or inorganic) in which at least one \[-OH\] (hydroxyl) group is replaced by an \[-O-alkyl\] (alkoxy) group. Usually, esters are derived from the substitution reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Esterification is the process of formation of an ester.

Complete answer:
Esterification is the general name for a chemical reaction in which two reactants (typically an alcohol and an acid) form an ester as the reaction product. Esters are common in organic chemistry and biological materials, and often have a pleasant characteristic, fruity odor. This leads to their extensive use in the fragrance and flavor industry. Ester bonds are also found in many polymers.
The process of esterification involves the treatment of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol in the presence of a dehydrating agent and the reaction is as follows:
$R - C( = O) - OH + HO - R'\xrightarrow{{{H_2}S{O_4}}}R - C( = O) - O - R'$
The process takes place by the formation of an ester bond and the release of a water molecule. In the above reaction we can clearly see that the higher the degree of the alcohol, the greater the hindrance it suffers and the greater the alteration in the rate of reaction will be. Thus, the decreasing order of reactivity of alcohol is: Methyl alcohol > Ethyl alcohol > Isopropyl alcohol > Tertiary alcohol

Thus, the correct option is C.

Note:
Esters are produced when carboxylic acids are heated with alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst. The catalyst is usually concentrated sulfuric acid. Dry hydrogen chloride gas is used in some cases, but these tend to involve aromatic esters (ones where the carboxylic acid contains a benzene ring).