15. which of the following best describes the key mechanistic steps in the reaction of an acid chloride and an alcohol to form an ester? a. elimination followed by addition b. addition followed by decarboxylation c. addition followed by elimination d. substitution followed by addition e. reduction followed by oxidation

c. addition followed by elimination

Explanation:

Acid chloride reacts with alcohol and forms the corresponding ester.

The mechanism involves the following steps:

1) Nucleophilic attack by the alcohol on the carbonyl carbon.

2) Leaving group is removed

3) Deprotonation

Hence, the correct option is c.

A sample reaction and its mechanism is shown in the image below.

geosphere and hydrosphere.

this is because the geosphere has to do with geological events, while the hydrosphere controls all water on earth.