an 18-carbon saturated fatty acid. The normal numbering system, starting with the carboxylic acid, is shown in blue. The carbons and oxygens of the carboxylic acid functional group are red.

Esters are usually synthesized from an alcohol and an acid, most frequently, a carboxylic acid. In some cases, an epoxide is used instead of the alcohol; or an acid halide or anhydride replaces the ...