Lab 3: Synthesis of Esters Flashcards
What mechanism does this proceed under?
What are the limitations of this experiment? What can you do to remedy them?
Equillibrium favors both the carboxylic acid and the ester evenly. To remedy: push equilibrium
Why would waiting longer not result in a larger yield of ester?
Because everything will already be reacted
How are acetic acid and water removed from the product picture via extractions?
Sulfuric acid (removed by water), acetic acid (removed by bicarbonate), water (removed by brine)
What are the reagents in this reaction? What is their safety stuff?
Sulfuric acid: Highly corrosive, releases lots of heat with water, severe damage if ingested, reactive towards lots of other stuff
How can NMR be used to determine your starting product?
Look at the shifts of adjacent Hs and the alcohol H
How can you force the equilibrium?
Two ways the reaction can be pushed towards the ester product is by removing the water produced during the reaction from the system and by adding excess amount of acid.
why is it necessary to rinse the alcohol in graduated cylinder with acetic acid?
The alcohol is the limiting reagent, so it is important that all of the alcohol actually makes it into the reaction flask.
What is the purpose of the boiling stone?
A boiling stone is used to help the liquid boil more smoothly, reduce splashing, and not become overheated too quickly.
X acid of IR
wavenumber (cm^-1)
Y axis of IR
Absorbance (100%=no light absorbed)
During extractions ester is in what layer?
Organic layer, not charged
