Esters

Question 1

What is the function of the wet paper towel condenser

Answer 1

to prevent reactants and products escaping from the reaction vessel in vapour form

Question 2

Why is a water bath used rather than a bunsen burner

Answer 2

some of the reactants and products are flammable

Question 3

What role does the concentrated sulfuric acid play

Answer 3

acts as a catalyst

Question 4

What is the purpose of the sodium hydrogencarbonate solution

Answer 4

To neutralise the concentrated sulfuric acid and any unreacted carboxylic acid

Question 5

State two pieces of evidence which suggested that an ester has been formed

Answer 5

a distinctive smell
an oily later on the surface of the sodium hydrogencarbonate solution

Question 6

What happens when esters go through hydrolysis

Answer 6

reacts with water to produce an alcohol and a carboxylic acid

Question 7

What can esters be used for

Answer 7

can be used as solvents for non polar compounds

Question 8

Explain why a step is described as a condensation reaction

Answer 8

it has two molecules joining together with the loss of a water molecule

Question 9

Suggests why when making esters the reaction mixture must be kept below a certain temperature

Answer 9

to prevent boiling off of the alcohol