Concept:Esterification is classified as a condensation reaction because two molecules combine and a small molecule, water, is lost.Explanation:In esterification, a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol to form an ester and water.For example:RCOOH+R′OH→RCOOR′+H2OThis is exactly the pattern of a condensation reaction: two smaller molecules join to form a larger molecule while eliminating a small molecule like water.It is not analogous to neutralization, because neutralization involves an acid and a base producing salt and water, not an ester.Answer:C. condensation reaction