Stephanie Madrid
January 11, 2012
Chemistry
Liz Schibuk
Ester Synthesis Lab Report
Purpose:
The purpose of the lab was to synthesize esters.
Introduction:
In our first chemistry lab we were told to synthesize esters. An ester is an organic
compound made when a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol. After the ester is made water is
produced by the oxygen and two hydrogen’s the carboxylic acid and alcohol let off during the
reaction. Carboxylic acids, alcohols, and esters are all functional groups. A functional group is a
“specific group of atoms with in a molecule that is responsible for characteristics reactions of
that molecule” (Chemistry.about.com). In this lab I combined different types of alcohols and
carboxylic acids to make esters with different fruity scents and flavors.
Materials:

Various types of Alcohol

Various types of organic acids

Test tubes

Hot plates

Gloves

Fume hood

Goggles

Pipits

String rods

Sulfuric acids

Carboxylic acids

Apron

Water

Vortex

Tongs
Procedures:

First, in a dry 10-cm test tube put in 6 drops of the particular alcohol and 2 drops of the
particular carboxylic acid.

Second, agitate the carboxylic acid and alcohol by putting the test tube on the vortex or
by shaking the test tube side to side softly.

Third, carefully add 1 drop of the concentrated sulfuric acid.

Fourth, heat the test tube for about 3 minutes or more if needed.

Fifth, after being heated add 15 drops of water in the test tube.

Finally, wave hand over the test tube and smell to see if the particular scent is there.
Results:
Carboxylic Acid
Butyric Acid
Alcohol
Ethyl
Scent
Strawberry
Butyric Acid
n-butyl
Pineapple
Salicylic Acid
Methanol (Methyl
Alcohol)
Octyl Alcohol
Wintergreen
Methanol (Methyl
Alcohol
Apple
Acetic Acid
Butyric Acid
Orange
Observations
It smelled like
strawberry, and had a
very strong scent.
First time we tried
didn’t work and
pineapple scent
wasn’t there. Second
time was successful
and there was a scent
of pineapple.
Smelled exactly like
Vicks vapor rub.
Had a very faint smell
of orange.
Had a very faint smell
of apple.
Analysis of Results:
Part one: Reactions
Part 2: Questions
1. The evidence that I have that proves that an ester was produced in each of the reactions
was when a carboxylic acid and an alcohol were combined to make an ester. The result
that shows it’s an ester is the scent that you smell after making an ester. This is evidence
because all esters have a sweet fruity scent.
2. The role that the sulfuric acid took in the reaction is being the catalyst used to speed up
the reaction. Sulfuric Acid isn’t listed with the other reactants because it’s only used as a
catalyst to speed up the reaction, and it isn’t a part in creating an ester.
3. In a molecular level what happens when an alcohol and a carboxylic acid react is first a
hydrogen and oxygen is taken away from the carboxylic acid. In an alcohol hydrogen is
taken away. After, the remains of the carboxylic acid links to the remains of the alcohol
forming an ester. The oxygen and two hydrogen that broke off from the alcohol and
carboxylic acid created an H2O (water) molecule. To complete the reaction a catalyst
(sulfuric acid) is needed to speed up the reaction.
Conclusion:
The work I did on this lab demonstrates mastery on the GSE Reading for Science and
Technology 9-10 3. I showed mastery on this GSE by first working with my group on our pre-lab
worksheet that showed us how the lab was going to be organized and set up. After, as a class we
had to watch a safety video before we were able to do the lab to make sure we would follow
directions and the procedure during the lab. Then we took a test that consisted on the procedures
and safety regulations of the lab based on the safety video we watched. I passed the test and I
was able to go to the lab in Providence College. Before I could fully go I had to write a pre-lab
which included the purpose of the lab, materials, procedures, and a data table where the results
were noted on. This all demonstrates mastery on the GSE because it shows that I was able to
follow the safety regulations and the procedures of the lab. I also was able to know how much
carboxylic acid, alcohol, sulfuric acid, and water I had to put in the test tube, and for how long I
needed to heat the test tube.