Esterification Lab

Investigation and Preparation of Esterification Lab

Introduction

Esters are classified as organic compounds commonly derived from carboxylic acids. They are compounded from the reaction of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol in the presence of a strong acid to be used as a catalyst. The formula that represents an ester is R-COO-R where both Rs’ are alkyl groups, one which is bonded to an oxygen, and the other to a carbon which is double bonded to 1 oxygen and single bonded to the other. Esters are named in almost a reverse fashion where the R-group bonded to the oxygen is named first with the ending “yl” and the R- group bonded to the C coming second ending with an “oate.” The “yl” group is derived from the alcohol that was used to make
the ester where as the “oate” part is derived from the carboxylic acid that was used to make the ester. In the process of creating an ester also known as esterification the product is an ester and water.

Purpose

The objective of this lab is to witness the creation of different esters and to recognize and pinpoint the smells of each one of them.
In addition, writing balanced chemical equations.

Hypothesis

If methyl-2-propanol is reacted with formic acid then the product should be 2-methylpropyl methanoate.
If 1-octanol is reacted with acetic acid then the product should be 1-octyl ethanoate.
If methanol is reacted with salicylic acid then the product should be methyl salicylate.
If 1-pentanol is reacted with acetic acid then the product should be pentyl ethanoate.

Materials

Equipment
4 test tubes graduated cylinder (10 mL)
150 mL
beaker
2, 150 mL beakers
Thermometer
Safety Glasses
Test tube holder
Beaker tongs
Hot plate

Reagents
Methanol
Methyl-2-propanol
1-pentanol
1-octanol acetic acid methanoic acid salicylic acid sulfuric acid (H2SO4) (concentrated)

Procedure

1. All safety and experiment materials were collected.
2. The procedure was carefully heeded and studied, noting any potential harmful chemicals.
3. 4 test tubes labeled from A-D and placed in the test tube rack.
4. In test tube A 1 mL of methyl-2-propanol and 1 mL of formic acid were placed.
5. In test tube B 1 mL of 1-octanol and 1 mL of acetic acid were placed.
6. In test tube C 1 mL of methanol and 1g of salicylic acid were placed
7. In test tube D 1mL of 1-pentanol and 1 mL of acetic acid were placed.
8. Four drops of concentrated sulfuric were carefully and precisely added to each test tube.
9. 100mL of tap water were obtained in a 250mL beaker and was heated on a hot plate to the exact temperature of 60o C
10. All 4 test tubes A-D were placed into the hot water previously heated for 15 minutes.
11. 150mL of cold water were obtained and placed in a 250 mL beaker.
12. After 15 minutes the test tubes were taken out of the hot water and placed in the cold water.
13. 20mL of water were obtained.
14. 5mL of distilled water were carefully measured and placed into each test tube.
15. All scent and odur transformations were noticed.
16. All chemicals were discarded into an organic waste beaker. And all apparatuses were thoroughly cleaned.

Observation Table

Test Tube
#

Reactants

Products

Appearance

Scent

A
Meythyl-2-propanol
Formic Acid
2-methylpropyl methanoate
Light yellowish liquid pale
Strong horrid smell

B
1-octanol
Acetic Acid
Octyl ethanoate
Transparent liquid
Sweet, citrusy smell

C
Methanol
Salicylic Acid
Methyl salicylate
Transparent and white looking liquid
Very refreshing peppermint smell

D
1-pentanol
Acetic acid
Pentyl ethanoate
Yellow-orange liquid
Sweet banana like smell

Discussion Questions

1.Test tube A

FOUND ON HARD COPY

Test Tube B

Test Tube C

Test Tube D

2. Compounds formed in each test tube.

Test Tube A: 2-methylpropyl methanoate
Test Tube B: octyl ethanoate
Test Tube C: methyl salicylate
Test Tube D: pentyl ethanoate

3.
a) ethanoal + benzanoic acid = ethyl benzanoate b) 1-propanol + butanoic acid = propyl butanoate

4. a) 1-octyl propanote = propanoic acid + 1 ocatnol

b) 1-propyl pentanoate = pentanoic acid + 1-propanol

5. Oil of wintergreen is also known as an aspirin because of its involvement in the aspirin family. This is known because the aspirin family is associated to the salicylate part of the oil wintergreen. The name for this oil is methyl salicylate which is why it is associated with the aspirin. It is uses for the cure of headaches because as we know aspirin is a blood thinner anti-coagulant. So it is normal for commercials that advertise oil of wintergreen are for things like headache relief.

Sources of Error

1. A potential source of error that may have occurred in this lab is possible side reactions in the experiment. This could take away from the overall production of the ester or even create side products that we may have noted wrongly when we were wafting the
product.
2. Another common source of error could be the fact that using the hot plate would not keep the temperature of the hot water bath consistent, this could affect the process of esterification. Especially because during that 15 minutes the temperature of the water should stay consistent at 60oC so it would have to be closely monitored.
3. The temperature of the room could also affect the reactants and products before they were placed in the hot water bath because in the case that there may have been air conditioning or heating on in the room then the temperature of the products in test tube would adapt into the temperature of the room.

Conclusion

In conclusion the main purpose of this lab was to identify the smell and odur of each ester that was produced from combining an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. The hypothesis stated at the beginning of the report was proven correct in the fact that each test tube produced the correct ester. There are many factors in this experiment that could affect the overall product produced which could in the end effect the odor and appearances that you are noting down. Be careful to take note of the hot plate and keeping the consistency of the temperature, side reaction happening and the temperature in the room that may a have effected the products and reactants odors and appearance.