Lab 2 Flashcards
The Fischer esterification reaction produces a(n) —— from the reaction of a(n) ——- and an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst.
ester, carboxylic acid
T/F: The first step of the Fischer esterification reaction is the protonation of the carbonyl oxygen by the acid catalyst.
True
The carbonyl carbon is …. -hybridized. The tetrahedral intermediate in the Fischer esterification is …. -hybridized.
sp2, sp3
All reaction steps in the Fischer esterification are….
reversible
Because the Fischer esterification is….., you will add excess……. to drive the reaction to produce more ester.
reversible, alcohol
t-BME stands for:
tert-butyl methyl ether
During the esterification reaction, 2 layers will form in your test tubes. The top layer is organic and the bottom layer is aqueous. Which layer is your ester in?
Top
You will characterize your esters using
IR
Which carboxylic acids will you use during this lab?
acetic, propionic, salicyclic, 2-phenylacetic
Which drying agent will you use during the lab?
sodium sulfate
How much sulfuric acid will you need to add to each test tube?
5 drops
What is the leaving group when converting a carboxylic acid to an ester?
water
T/F: If you add water to one of your Fischer esterification reactions, the reaction will favor the formation of the ester product.
False
T/F: The carboxylic acids you will be using in this lab are pleasant smelling.
False
What is the purpose of the acid catalyst in Fischer esterification reactions?
to protonate the alcohol oxygen and to protonate the carbonyl oxygen
