When carboxylic acid reacts with alcohol in the presence of conc. H₂SO₄, pleasant fruity smelling compound is formed.

CH₃COOH(l) + C₂H₅OH(l) + conc. H₂SO₄ → CH₃COOC₂H5(l) + H₂O(l)

Activity :

• Take 1 ml of ethanol in a test tube. Add 1 ml of acetic acid in this test tube.
• Add few drops of conc. H₂SO₄ in the mixture.
• Heat the content on water bath for 5 minutes.
• Smell the resulting mixture formed.

Result: Pleasant fruity ester is formed.