An ester is a type of organic compound formed from the reaction of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. This process is known as esterification. Esters are characterized by their pleasant, fruity odors and are commonly found in nature, such as in the scents of flowers and fruits. They are often used in the food and fragrance industries to create flavors and aromas. Esters have a general chemical formula of RCOOR', where R and R' represent hydrocarbon chains. They are also important in various applications, including the production of plastics and solvents. Some common examples of esters include ethyl acetate and methyl butanoate.