Explore ester functional groups with molecular models ideal for chemistry and biology students. Learn esterification, hydrolysis, and biological roles of esters in fats and metabolism.
Understanding the ester functional group is essential for both organic chemistry and biochemistry students. Our ester models accurately represent the ester linkage, highlighting its bonding and reactivity compared to related groups like carboxylic acids and ethers. These models are ideal for visualizing key reactions such as esterification, acid and base-catalyzed hydrolysis, and exploring the role of esters in biological molecules such as triglycerides, lipids, and fatty acid metabolism.
Use these models for classroom demonstrations, lab work, and student learning in organic chemistry, biochemistry, nursing, and premedical studies.
Indigo Instruments has held inventory of genuine Cochranes of Oxford (Orbit) atoms & bonds for 30+ years. These parts are compatible with every molecular model set we have sold since day 1. This quality may appear expensive but no parts support from other vendors costs even more.
Esters: Structure, Properties, and Educational Uses
Esters are organic compounds characterized by the functional group, –COOR, where R is an alkyl or aryl group and R′ is typically another carbon-containing group. They are formed by a condensation reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, releasing water. Esters are widely known for their pleasant, often fruity odors, and are found in natural products, flavorings, fragrances, and important biochemical intermediates.
Structure of Esters
Bonding: The carbonyl carbon is sp²-hybridized, creating a planar geometry around the C=O.
Polarity: Moderately polar — the C=O group can engage in dipole–dipole interactions, but esters cannot hydrogen bond to themselves as donors (only as acceptors).
Boiling points: Typically lower than comparable carboxylic acids or alcohols of similar molar mass.
Reactivity: Readily undergo hydrolysis under acidic or basic conditions.
Key Ester Examples for the Classroom
Compound
Chemistry Focus
Biology / Medicine / Nursing Focus
Ethyl acetate
Classic example of Fischer esterification and a common organic solvent; volatility and polarity make it useful in extractions and chromatography.
Occurs naturally in some fruits and contributes to aroma; useful example when discussing flavor chemistry and food analysis.
Methyl salicylate
Aromatic ester that illustrates ester hydrolysis and aromatic chemistry; useful for demonstrating base/acid-catalyzed cleavage.
Used in topical analgesics (wintergreen), relevant to pharmacology and toxicology; also a plant-produced signaling/defense compound.
Isoamyl acetate
Branched-chain ester famous for its banana-like odor; demonstrates volatility, ester synthesis, and functional-group naming.
Common food/flavoring compound—good for sensory-based labs and illustrating biochemical production of aroma compounds.
Triglycerides (glycerol triesters)
Triester formation from glycerol and fatty acids; excellent for teaching saponification, hydrophobic interactions, and chain-length effects.
Primary form of energy storage in organisms; central to nutrition, digestion (lipase activity), and clinical topics like lipid disorders.
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
Illustrates acetylation chemistry and an ester linkage in a pharmaceutical context; hydrolysis converts it to salicylic acid.
Widely used analgesic/antiplatelet agent—relevant to pharmacology, dosing, metabolism, and nursing care considerations (e.g., bleeding risk).
This model kit is great for improving knowledge of molecular structures for organic chemistry.
— Jan
2020-05-31
I bought the product for a university class and it met expectations. Great service and fast shipping.
— Miri
— Indigo: Thank you for the review. Good luck this term.
2019-09-23
Great product, fast shipping, excellent customer service!
— Courtney
2019-08-15
Bought two of these because I prefer them to the one used at the university. Easy to use and has a good flexibility.
— Thierry
2018-04-16
I've had consistently great service from this company. Our students seem to really appreciate the reasonable price. In the years that we've used this product, not one has been returned due to defects.
— Becki
— Indigo:
Considering how many of these we sell to schools every year, that is high praise indeed. Thanks letting us know.
