Orgo 2 Lab 7.docx - Cat Olson TA: Dr. William Bowie CHEM...

Cat Olson Lab Performed: 19 October 2020
TA: Dr. William Bowie Lab Due: 26 October 2020
CHEM 2204
The Fischer Esterification Reaction: n-Butyl-Acetate
Objective: The purpose of this experiment was to carry out and explore the Fischer
Esterification. A carboxylic acid was reacted with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst
to create an ester. The ester product was examined using techniques such as gas chromatography.
In this particular reaction, n-butanol was reacted with acetic acid to create n-butyl-acetate. The
catalyst was concentrated sulfuric acid. Silica gel beads were used to absorb the water in the
reaction. The ester will be purified via extraction with an ether.
Experimental Procedure: The procedure was followed as described in Mayo’s manual on pages
201-203, along with the modifications provided in the Canvas document Fischer Esterification
Modifications.
Reaction Scheme:
Data and Results:
Data and Results Table:
Data and Results Table
n-Butanol Acetic Acid Sulfuric Acid n-Butyl-Acetate
Formula C4H10O