Sonochemical esterification is the synthesis of esters from carboxylic acids and alcohols accelerated by ultrasonic irradiation.
Example: Synthesis of Ethyl Acetate
$$CH_3COOH + C_2H_5OH \xrightarrow{ \text{ (Ultrasound)}} CH_3COOC_2H_5 + H_2O$$
Why use Ultrasound here?
- Speed: What takes hours under reflux can often happen in minutes.
- Yield: The intense mixing pushes the equilibrium forward more efficiently.
- Energy Efficiency: You are applying energy directly to the molecules via bubbles rather than heating a whole giant vat of liquid.