======Making Esters in Test Tubes======


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**Alternative titles:** Ester Synthesis Lab
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Prepare a data table listing which alcohols and carboxylic acids will be combined, leaving space for observations.  
  - Put on safety goggles and ensure the workspace is free of open flames.  
  - Prepare a hot-water bath in a beaker using a hot plate (not a Bunsen burner).  
  - In a clean test tube, add about 20 drops of an alcohol, followed by ~0.1 g or 60 drops of a carboxylic acid.  
  - Carefully add 2 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid (catalyst).  
  - Record observations of the reactants.  
  - Place the test tube in the hot-water bath using a clamp and heat for about 5 minutes.  
  - After heating, carefully pour the mixture into an Erlenmeyer flask with water to help detect the scent.  
  - Repeat the process with different combinations of alcohols and carboxylic acids.  
  - Record the odors of the resulting esters.  
  - Dispose of all products as instructed and wash hands thoroughly.



====Links==== 
NECT Gr 12 Making Esters - Jo-Anne Miles-Levet: 
{{youtube>AILt5HAYJTs?}}\\


📄 Ester Synthesis Lab - The University of Akron: [[https://www.uakron.edu/polymer/agpa-k12outreach/lesson-plans/pdf/wagner-worksheet1.pdf]]\\


====Variations====
  * Try using different alcohol–acid combinations to produce additional esters with unique scents.  
  * Compare the scents of synthetic esters to natural fruit or plant aromas.  
  * Explore how reaction time or heating conditions affect the strength of ester odor.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Always wear goggles throughout the experiment.  
  * Handle concentrated sulfuric acid with extreme care; it is highly corrosive.  
  * Avoid inhaling vapors directly from test tubes.  
  * Use only a hot plate for heating—do not use open flames.  
  * Wash hands thoroughly after handling chemicals.




====Questions to Consider====
  * What functional group is present in all alcohols? (-OH group)  
  * What functional group is present in all carboxylic acids? (-COOH group)  
  * What functional group is characteristic of esters? (-COOR group)  
  * Why is sulfuric acid added to the reaction? (It acts as a catalyst and dehydrating agent, driving the equilibrium toward ester formation.)  
  * Isobutyl alcohol and formic acid produce a raspberry scent. What is the name of the ester? (Isobutyl formate).