Question

For the lab of esterification of phenylalanine, what was accomplished? what is the appearance and how was it purified and characterized?

Answer 1

A series of amino acid methyl ester hydrochlorides were prepared in good toexcellent yields by the room temperature reaction of amino acids with methanol in thepresence of trimethylchlorosilane. The reaction is known as esterification of amino acids. This method is not only compatible with natural aminoacids, but also with other aromatic and aliphatic amino acids.

esterification of COOH in amino acids is the protection of amino functionality. And this could be acheived in any acidic conditions, as it will form the salt (eg. HCl salt). After the completion of reaction remove all volatiles, wash with ether and dried to get the ester of amino acid (where amine in salt form). If you want free amine basify it with NaHCO3 aqueous solution and extract in ethyl cateate.