Advantages And Disadvantages Of Esters

Data Collection and discussion

Advantages of esters

Anything that must be smelt must derive from an evaporating substance, as the nose receptors are stimulated by vapours. A substance must therefore be relatively volatile for its scent to be picked up. If the substance is not volatile, the nose will not sense the smell. Even though esters are polar, they are relatively volatile. This, coupled with the idea that they can be produced in a way to present pleasant odours, makes it an idyllic substance to be used in the manufacture of cosmetic perfumes and air fresheners. (Brown, 2000) Perfumes are beneficial as they serve as a medium for people to enhance their body odour and air fresheners can act as a mask for displeasing smells.

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The characteristic of esters as good solvents is beneficial as it can be used as nail polish remover. (BBC, 2014) Nail varnish does not dissolve in water, which is one of the most common solvents used, as it is insoluble in water. The attraction between the molecules of water and the molecules of the nail varnish is weaker than the mutual forces of attraction of their own molecules. Esters, such as ethyl ethanoate (commonly known as acetone), have strong attractive forces with the nail varnish. This makes nail varnish dissolve in ethyl ethanoate, making it a perfect substance for nail varnish remover. (BBC, 2014) The trait of esters as being effective solvent means that they are also used in paints, glues and ink formulations – as a medium that is compatible with the other ingredients. These products are vastly used every day, and they all serve very beneficial purposes. Nail polish remover enables on to remove nail varnish, paints allow one to change the colours’ of surfaces and glues help stick surfaces

Aspirin, containing the ester Salicylic acid acetate, is a commonly used and proven beneficial medicine. Phenyl salicylate, a similar ester so salicylic acid acetate, is used to treat chronic arthritis. A number of other cyclic esters are used as antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine. (Poss, 2016) The use of esters in this case is extremely beneficial, as it boosts the general health of people, alleviating disease and illnesses.

Disadvantages of esters

Esters are added to many food products – to create certain flavours or to enhance taste. They are also used in local anaesthetics. However, many people are allergic to these ester enriched foods and these anaesthetics, without knowing that they are, in fact, allergic to it. (CK-12, 2017) If a person allergic to a certain ester consumes it, they will have an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions mild and annoying to more severe and even life-threatening. If he reaction is server, instant medical attention is needed.

Other food substances that contain esters are also harmful. Glycidyl fatty acid esters, are found in foods with refined vegetable oils and fat. These esters are digested and are broken down and, in the process, release Glycerol. This substance is carcinogenic: it promotes cell division and increases the chance of DNA mutations, and thus increases the risk of getting cancer (Poss,