Esters

/ˈɛstərz/ noun

Definition

Plural of ester; organic chemical compounds formed when an acid reacts with an alcohol.

Etymology

From 'ester,' a term coined by German chemist Leopold Gmelin in the 1840s, possibly from German 'Essig' (vinegar) + 'Äther' (ether). Esters are fundamental to organic chemistry.

Kelly Says

Esters are literally everywhere—they give bananas their smell, make fats soapy when you wash your hands, and are the building blocks of biodiesel fuel that could replace gasoline!

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