Introduction:

What are Esters?

Esters are organic compounds that are derived from carboxylic
acids. The carboxyl group –COOH is contained in a carboxylic
acid. The hydrogen in this group is being replaced by a
hydrocarbon group in esters. These hydrocarbon groups could be
a methyl, ethyl, or phenyl group. Esters have a characteristic
pleasant, fruity odor and are common in organic and biological
materials. They are used mostly in the flavor and fragrance
industry.

How are they produced?

Esters are formed from the reaction of two reactants which are
alcohols and acids in an esterification reaction. Fischer
esterification is the classic synthesis of producing esters. This
involves the treatment of carboxylic acid with an alcohol and a
dehydrating agent. Sulfuric acid serves as catalyst to hasten this
esterification process.
Acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides alcoholysis is another way to
produce esters. Acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides react with
alcohols to produce esters. Anydrous conditions are
recommended since both acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides
react with water.

How are they stored?

Carbon, aluminum, and stainless steel tanks are suitable in
storing of esters. A storage tank lined with a baked phenolic
resin should be used if there is critical product quality and if it is
detrimental to produce end-use with trace iron pickup. Esters are
characterized with high volatility and high flammability. Both low
boiling point and high boiling point esters should be stored under
dry nitrogen to exclude air and moisture from the storage tank.
It is adequate to have transfer lines of carbon steel. It is
recommended that esters use an explosion-proof motor driven
centrifugal pump. Heating of outside tanks and lines is not
necessary since esters have low freezing points and low
viscosities.

Uses of Esters:
Production of perfumes, essential oils, and pheromones use a
wide variety of esters. A few number of esters have been useful
in severe applications on the environment when it comes to
synthetic lubrication.
Esters low temperature flowability and clean high temperature
operation has brought their exclusive use in jet engine
lubricants. Esters also play a role as synthetic refrigeration
lubricants in CFC replacement refrigerants. Low and high
temperature performance is improved with the miscibility of
esters with HFC because of their characteristic branching and
polarity.
Esters are widely used in automotive applications. Due to higher
lubrication properties, esters usually are combined with
Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) in full synthetic motor oils to solubilize
additives, balance the effect on seals, reduce volatility, and
improve efficiency of energy.

Fisher Esterification reaction:

Fischer esterification is the acid-catalyzed reaction of carboxylic
acids and alcohols: