Ethyl benzoate ($C_6H_5COOC_2H_5$) is an ester formed by the reaction of benzoic acid ($C_6H_5COOH$) with ethyl alcohol ($C_2H_5OH$). This reaction is a classic example of Fischer Esterification, which requires an acid catalyst to proceed.

The reaction is reversible and is catalyzed by acids like concentrated $H_2SO_4$ or dry HCl gas. The acid protonates the carbonyl oxygen of the carboxylic acid, making it more susceptible to nucleophilic attack by the alcohol molecule. Dry HCl also helps in shifting the equilibrium to the right by absorbing the water produced (acting as a dehydrating agent).

$C_6H_5COOH + C_2H_5OH \xrightarrow{\text{dry HCl}} C_6H_5COOC_2H_5 + H_2O$