What’s in my food?

Esters (molecular formula, RCOOR) can be found all throughout the natural world. They are popular for producing a range of pleasant fragrances and flavors. They occur naturally in many foods, such as in fruit, and in alcoholic beverages. Esters fall within the category of oleochemicals, which simply means they are naturally derived, and are not synthetic, thus, making it safe. An ester is a chemical compound that is formed from the condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. The exact combination of the type of alcohol and the type of carboxylic acid will determine which ester is produced. Hence, there is a large number of possibilities for an ester. For example, when the acid in the combination is a fatty acid, the result is a fatty acid ester. We can get more specific by looking at the exact makeup of certain esters. Our chemistry tuition will be able to provide more facts which would allow us to relate to reality.

Use of esters

● Thickening agent: In cosmetics, esters function as thickening agents, which enhances the viscosity and the volume of personal care products.

● Fragrance: Esters are popular among perfumers and personal care product manufacturers for their naturally pleasant scents. For example, Propyl Ethanoate smells like fresh pairs, Pentyl Nonoate smells like roses, and Propyl Octanoate smells like coconut.

● Emollient: Esters are extremely beneficial to skin. Esters have a special advantage over other skin and healthcare products, as it does not leave behind an oily texture. So make-up freaks! Products with ester are definitely worth a try!

● Solvent: Esters can also function as a solvent. Many personal care products, including powders, lotions and shaving creams, contain solvents to achieve a certain consistency.
With so many benefits, esters is popular not only in the chemistry world, but also amongst product manufacturers. This has increased the demand for esters, as people tend to like products made from it. Such deep insights would not be easily available, unless we take the time to research and find out about the things happening around us. However, our chemistry tutor has this information at his fingertips, making it easier for many students to learn about things generally quickly and easily.

Properties of Esters

Although we are regarding ester like just another product from shops, it is important to realise that it is still a chemical compound. As such, let us take a look at some of its properties just like any other compounds. Ester molecules are polar, however, they have no hydrogen atom attached to its oxygen atom. This will then suppress ester’s ability to engage in intermolecular hydrogen bonding with one another. Furthermore, it also has a considerably lower boiling point as compared to its other carboxylic acid counterparts. Moreover, since esters are able to engage in hydrogen bonding with water molecules, they are somewhat soluble in water. Such properties are just a few that we would know. I am sure our chemistry tutor will be able to provide more wonderful properties that students would love to learn. Stay tuned, to find out what our chemistry tuition has to offer!

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