Question

Esterification (ANS/H⁺) - Synthesis of 4-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate

1.) How would each of the following shift the equilibrium in the esterification reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid?

a.) Remove H2O as it is formed

b.) Add an acid catalyst

2.) Explain how Le Chatelier’s Principle is used in our experiment to tip the reaction toward product formation?

3.) In today’s experiment the esterification is performed by using a mixture of acetyl chloride and acetic anhydride instead of acetic acid.

a.) What is the purpose of substituting acetic acid with acetic anhydride / acetyl chloride mixture?

b.) Could only acetic anhydride be used by itself instead of the mixture acetic chloride + acetic anhydride mixture?

Answer 1