Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Fischer esterification: The acid-catalyzed reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol to give an ester and water. The alcohol is usually used as the solvent, and therefore present in excess. The acid must be strong; sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or p-toluenesulfonic acid are often used for this purpose.

Fischer esterification of benzoic acid in methanol with sulfuric acid gives methyl benzoate.