Alkylesterit

Alkylesterit, in English alkyl esters, are esters in which the alkoxy part contains an alkyl group. They have the general structure R-CO-OR', where R-CO- represents the acyl part derived from a carboxylic acid and OR' is an alkyl group derived from an alcohol. When the OR' moiety is an alkyl group, the compound is classified as an alkyl ester; esters in which OR' is aryl are sometimes called aryl esters.

Most alkyl esters are prepared by esterification of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol, typically using an acid catalyst and removal of water to drive the equilibrium. Other routes include reaction of an acyl chloride with an alcohol or transesterification between esters and alcohols. Alkyl esters can also be formed as intermediates in organic synthesis.

Properties of alkyl esters vary with the length and branching of the alkyl chain and the nature of the acyl group. They are generally less polar than the corresponding acids and alcohols, often volatile and with distinct odors for many low‑molecular‑weight members. They can be immiscible with water depending on chain length and structure, and many serve as useful solvents. Common examples include methyl acetate and ethyl acetate, which are widely used as industrial solvents; fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) are important in biodiesel.

Reactions of alkyl esters include hydrolysis to the corresponding carboxylic acid and alcohol, either under acidic or basic conditions; transesterification with another alcohol; and reduction to the corresponding alcohols with suitable reagents. Safety and environmental profiles vary among esters, but most are flammable and should be handled with care.