What name is given to the reaction in which a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst to form an ester?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Esterification describes the catalytic chemical process wherein a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol to yield an ester and water. Other alternatives like saponification denote the alkaline hydrolysis of fats to produce soap, while hydrogenation involves adding hydrogen across unsaturated bonds. Organic chemistry reactions are standard topics in general science assessments.