Question

4. A student wants to perform the Fischer Esterification of pentanoic acid with 2-butanol. For this reaction he/she wants to use a 3 molar excess of the alcohol. The student started the reaction with 4.25 mL of the alcohol. What is the volume (mL) of carboxylic acid needed for this reaction? Show all steps of your calculations. Include all units and any references.

Answer 1

CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-(C=O)-OH + CH3-CH(OH)-CH2-CH3 ....H+....> CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-(C=O)-O-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH3

Molarity of alcohol = 3M

Vol. of alcohol = 4.25 ml

no. of moles of alcohol = Molarity*vol. in ml/1000 = 3*4.25/1000 = 0.013 moles

As per the above reaction 1 mole of 2-butanol is required 1 mole of pentanoic acid

so 0.013 moles of pentanoic acid is required

At room temperature and pressure 1 mole of compound occupis 22.4lt of volume

     0.013 moles of 2-butanol ................................?

     = 0.013*22.4 = 0.291 lt

or 291 ml of pentanoic acid is required