When ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid in the presence of conc. $H_{2}S{O}_4$, a substance with the fruity smell is produced.

(i) State the compounds to which fruity-smelling compounds belong. Write the chemical equation for the reaction and write the chemical name of the product formed.

(ii) State the role of conc. $H_{2}S{O}_4$ in this reaction.

(i) The fruity smelling compounds belong to the class of esters (Ethyl acetate).

The reaction of an alcohol with an acid to from ester and water is called as esterification.

$C{H}_{3}COOH$ (Ethanoic acid)$+C_2{H}_{5}OH$(Ethanol) $\to C{H}_{3}COO{C}_2{H}_5$ (Ethyl Acetate) $+H_{2}O$

Here, the ester formed is Ethyl Acetate. It is a sweet smelling ester.

(ii) The concentrated $H_{2}S{O}_4$ acts as a catalyst and a dehydrating agent and helps in the removal of water formed in the reaction between alcohol and carboxylic acid.