What is the major product formed when C2H5OH reacts with CH3COOH?

The major product formed when C₂H₅OH reacts with CH₃COOH is CH₃COOC₂H₅. This reaction is a type of esterification, where an alcohol and a carboxylic acid react to form an ester and water. In this case, the ethyl alcohol (C₂H₅OH) reacts with acetic acid (CH₃COOH) to form ethyl acetate (CH₃COOC₂H₅) and water (H₂O) as a byproduct. The reaction takes place due to the acidic nature of the carboxylic acid, which donates a proton (H⁺) to the hydroxyl group (-OH) of the alcohol, forming water and a carboxylate ion. The carboxylate ion then reacts with the electrophilic carbon atom of the carboxylic acid, leading to the formation of the ester. To summarize, the reaction between C₂H₅OH and CH₃COOH leads to the formation of CH₃COOC₂H₅ and H₂O as a byproduct, making CH₃COOC₂H₅ the major product of the reaction.