Investigation 1.6.

2 Synthesizing
Esters

Submitted to: Mr. Romano

Submitted By: Nicolas C., Shane R., and Joseph B.
Course Code: SCH4U1
November24, 2015

Purpose
Refer to textbook Nelson: Chemistry 12U,
page 66-67, Investigation 1.6.2 Synthesizing
Esters
Materials/Apparatus
Refer to textbook Nelson: Chemistry 12U,
page 66-67, Investigation 1.6.2 Synthesizing
Esters
Additional 5 test tubes used

Procedure/Method
Refer to textbook Nelson: Chemistry 12U,
page 66-67, Investigation 1.6.2 Synthesizing
Esters
Students handled and poured acids, and
alcohols

Observations
Combining Carboxylic Acids and Alcohols through
Esterification Reaction
Test Tube
#
1

Carboxylic
Acid

Product (Ester)

Aroma
(Scent)

1-Ethanol:
H3C C OH

Ethyl Ethanoate:

Liquid glue

Iso-propyl
Ethanoate:

Nail polish

H 3C - C
O

Alcohol

Ethanoic
Ethanoic
Acid:

Iso-Propanol:

O
C
CH

CH3

Ethanoic
Acid:

1-Pentanol:
H3C CH2 CH2 CH2
CH2 OH

Pentyl Ethanoate:

Banana

Salicylate
Acid:

S-Butanol:
OH
|
H3C CH2 CH2 CH2

S-Butyl

Brandy

Butanoate
Acid:

1-Methanol:
H3C OH

Methyl
Butanoate:

Pineapple

Formic Acid:

1-Octonal:
H2C CH2 CH2 CH2 CH2
CH3
|
CH2 CH2 OH

Octyl Formate:

Grapefruit

Benzoic Acid

1-Methanol:
H3C OH

Methyl Benzoate

Vanilla

Benzoic Acid

1-Ethanol:
H3C CH2 OH

Ethyl Benzoate:

Mint

Discussion
a. Refer back to table: Combining Carboxylic Acids and Alcohols through
Esterification Reaction in Observations.
b. Refer back to table: Combining Carboxylic Acids and Alcohols through
Esterification Reaction in Observations.
c. The smaller esters are somewhat soluble in water but solubility
decreases with chain length. The reason for the solubility is that
although esters can't hydrogen bond with themselves, they can
hydrogen bond with water molecules.
d. Esterification itself is a slow process at room temperature and does not
undergo completion. The concentrated sulfuric acid is used as a
catalyst, so this allows for the substance to undergo a faster chemical

reaction without undergoing a permanent chemical change itself. It

also, acts as a dehydrating agent, ultimately resulting in a greater yield
of ester.
e. Test Tube #1 Liquid glue - Glue
Test Tube #2 Nail polish nail polish
Test Tube #3 Banana Yogurt, ice cream
Test Tube #4 Brandy Liquor
Test Tube #5 Pineapple Spray, Pineapple juice
Test Tube #6 Grapefruit Juices, popsicles
Test Tube #7 Vanilla Candles, extract
Test Tube #8 Mint Frosting, Ice-cream,
f. Gg

Conclusion