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Synthesizing Ethyl Acetate by Fischer Esterification DATA ANALYSIS l. Did the re

ID: 524223 • Letter: S

Question

Synthesizing Ethyl Acetate by Fischer Esterification DATA ANALYSIS l. Did the reaction between acetic acid and ethanol produce ethyl acetate? Explain how you used chromatographic data to analyze the esterification reaction. 2. Did the GC test results after 20, 40, and 60 minutes show significant differences in the progress of the reaction? Support your answer with data. 3. Based on your test results, predict the yield of ethyl acetate after an 80 minute reaction time. Explain the rationale for your answer. 4. Suggest factors that would cause a low yield of the ester in the reaction.

Explanation / Answer

1. Data Table 1 clearly shows the formation of ethylacetate starting from acetic acid and ethanol. The retention time in chromatography of ethylacetate is found to be in between the two starting materials.

2. The data for the reaction change with time is not provided here. However, it is expected that the peak area for ethylacetate would eventually increase over time while the peak areas for the two starting materials would decrease with time.

3. predicting yield of ethylacetate = 8.57 x 100/(8.57 + 2.55) = 77.07%

4. A lower yield of ethylacetate would be obtained, If the reactant ethanol is evaporated due to higher temperature of the reaction.