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Esterification In esterification, esters may be prepared by refluxing an acid (usually, but not always a carboxylic acid) and a primary or secondary alcohol in the presence of a catalyst(commonly concentrated sulphuric acid). Water is a by-product, and it can be removed to force the equilibrium in the desired direction. In addition to being the catalyst for the reaction, the sulphuric acid also removes water to help shift the equilibrium towards forming more of the ester product. Alternatively, where the ester has a suitable boiling point, it may be distilled off, once again causing the equilibrium to favour the product. + + Ethanoic acid Ethanol Ethyl Ethanoate Water