.... A small correction, Roy. The equation should be:

CH3CH2OH + CH3COOH ---- CH3CH2OC(O)CH3 + H2O

Your equation shows methyl propionate as the product, not ethyl acetate.

- Steve Brandt

"Roy Basan" wrote in message
om...
It is likely the ester, ethyl acetate , the esterification reaction of
the alcohol formed by the yeast and the acetic acid formed by the
lactobacteria
CH3CH2OH + CH3COOH = CH3CH2COOCH3 + H2O

It is volatile substance and that material is the predominating smell
of ripe banana flavor so its not toxic at such very small quantities.
Roy