Ester Synthesis - Lab Report Example

Esters are also present in the animal fats and in most of the biological molecules and compounds. The process known for the production of an ester is called Esterification. It can either be formed in organic acids or in inorganic acids. In the organic acids of these esters, the liquids usually have no color, are impartial and have a pleasing smell (Clayden, Greeves, & Warren, 2012). The esters are usually prepared in large amounts for the purpose of saleable use. They are commercially used in perfumes, flavoring and as artificial fruits.

Esterification has great importance and tends to perform a number of processes. The main importance of Esterification is to imitate acids such as the carboxylic acids and some groups of compounds or molecules that are considered to be functional. The process involved with Esterification is that of condensing. Example is the carboxyl acids and the hydroxyl alcohol as seen in the experiment. The process condenses these acids and eliminates water. This process is slow and temperatures used are at moderate Celsius.

In most of the chemical industries throughout the world, the process of Esterification is used in various fields to perform different set of purposes. One of the purposes is seen in the removers of the nail polishing. The solvent that is used is called ethyl acetate. The amyl nitrite is used for the purpose of asthma treatments. . There was the use of a reflux condenser and a conical vial container. In the conical vial container, about an ML of alcohol is kept inside the container. A spin vane which is found inside the conical vial is filled with acetic acid of about 1.5 ml. in the same container; about four drops of sulphuric acid were added.

The sulphuric acid is concentrated. The equipment that was used was recapped. Inside the tube that was used, dryrite was used. Cotton was also used to make sure that the dryrite was dry and smooth for the experiment. The tube was later fused together with the condenser in a position that the conical vial is set to sit in the sand bath. In the sand bath, a thermometer is used with the view of measuring the temperature of the experiment. To prevent heat retention while the thermometer is in use, an aluminum foil is used as a cover.

The reflux condenser is then set in the position of the tap to allow for the movement of water from the condenser. After the flow, the tap is switched on to allow for the smooth running of water in the experiment. When the temperature inside the sand bath reached 170 degrees Celsius, the process of condensation began to take its roots. While condensation was happening, the temperature was maintained for about 60 minutes. After an hour of refluxing, the condenser, the heat were turned off and the contents inside removed.

They were then allowed to cool (Guardia & Garrigues, 2012)  The mechanism of the reaction is based on the formation of ethyl ethanoate. In the presence of sulphuric acid, the ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid. The process is considered to be slow and reversible. To prevent for a reverse reaction, the ester is passed through the process of distillation. The steps in the mechanism reaction links with the