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Which reagent can be used to convert benzoic acid into ethyl benzoate?

1. Sodium ethoxide
2. Ethyl chloride
3. Dry hydrogen chloride in ethanol
4. Ethanol

Correct answer: Dry hydrogen chloride in ethanol

Solution

Benzoic acid is converted to ethyl benzoate by Fischer esterification: heating with ethanol in the presence of an acid catalyst such as dry HCl gas (or conc. H2SO4). Ethanol alone or ethyl chloride will not esterify it efficiently.

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