Analysis & Evaluation: The reflux of ethanoic acid (carboxylic acid) and 3-methyl-1-butanol (alcohol), with the presence of the concentrated sulfuric acid catalyst, successfully formed the ester with the systematic name 3-methyl-butyl ethanoate. The following equation demonstrates the formation of the ester. The individual stages involved in esterification are vital in the formation of a pure ester, each stage requires an effective manipulation of apparatus to ensure the overall purity. The initial stage of refluxing accelerates the reaction whilst ensuring the exact quantity of volatile reactants and products remain unaffected. This is consequent to the condensation of reactants, as their vapours are captured by the Liebig condenser …show more content…
The condenser regulates temperature by constantly circulating cold water in a separate chamber directly surrounding the vapours. Subsequently, retaining all reactants and ultimately ensuring the successful preparation of an ester and the greatest yield achievable. The Liebig condenser enables prolonged heating, ensuring the thorough combination of reactants: however, the initial reaction between 3-methyl-1-butanol and ethanoic acid would not have occurred without the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid. The rate of the esterification reaction is significantly increased when refluxed with the catalyst of concentrated sulfuric acid: the reflux is essentially dependent on the presence of a catalyst. In its absence, a limited and poor yield would be observed after an extended period. The catalysed reaction’s product equilibrium was shifted …show more content…
The initial solution is collected between 110 C˚ and 120 C˚, and consists of the remaining water, carboxylic acid and the original alcohol. The distilled products were identified due to their secondary bonds being low in strength, consequently resulting in low boiling points. The prepared ester was distilled between 128 C˚ and 132 C˚, producing a sweet banana scent. The ester was successfully prepared and purified, however, the yield obtained was