esters

Esters are a type of organic compound formed when an alcohol reacts with a carboxylic acid. They are characterized by a distinctive sweet or fruity smell, making them common in natural flavors and fragrances. Esters are also used in various products like perfumes, food additives, and solvents. Their chemical structure includes a carbonyl group (C=O) adjacent to an ether group (R-O-R’), which differentiates them from other compounds. Esters play a significant role in chemistry, biology, and industry due to their diverse properties and applications.