A Simple Combinatorial Experiment Based on Fischer Esterification. An Experiment Suitable for the First-Semester Organic Chemistry Lab

Peter A. Wade , Susan A. Rutkowsky and Daniel B. King
Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104
J. Chem. Educ., 2006, 83 (6), p 927
DOI: 10.1021/ed083p927
Publication Date (Web): June 1, 2006
History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

A combinatorial experiment for the synthesis of esters by Fischer esterification is described. A total of eight esters are prepared as six mixtures. Deconvolution of the mixtures is performed by smell, the presence of methyl salicylate (wintergreen) being easily determined in the presence of other esters. Confirmation of the deconvolution results is obtained by GC analysis. Also demonstrated is the difference in Keq for the formation of different esters. The experiment is simple, chemicals are inexpensive, and one, three-hour lab period (or two, two-hour lab periods) is sufficient.

Keywords (Audience):

Second-Year Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Laboratory Instruction

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Alcohols
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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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