Preparing and Observing the Properties of Esthers Essay

Purpose The purpose of this experiment is to prepare and observe the properties of esters. The ester that will be synthesized in this methyl Salicylate Introduction Almost everybody is familiar with the fruity scents at their local grocery store. Many of these scents are esters. Most of the aromas we know represent a mixture of esters and other molecules like alcohol. The process of making ester is known as esterification. Esters are formed carboxylic acid and a carboxylic acid reacts with alcohol, water is also produced from this reaction. Carboxylic acid contains the –COOH group (Jim Clark, 2003) The general formula for esterification is O O || ||†¦show more content†¦Ã¯Æ' ¼ The test tube was removed from the beaker after and was allowed to cool for 2-3 minutes. ïÆ' ¼ The content in the test tube was poured into an evaporating dish that was half filled with water in order to identify the smell. Observation Table 1: Properties of Solutions and Substances Used Catalyst Alcohol Description Carboxylic Acid Description Ester Description Sulphuric acid Methanol Colourless liquidly solution with a sharp smell. Salicylic Acid White powdery substance Methyl Salicylate Wintergreen scent with a waxy layer on top with the liquid substance below The result of the reaction mainly depends on how much time the mixture is on the boiling water. When not given enough time the salicylic acid will no dissolve in the methanol which the reaction will be incomplete which means the chances of producing an ester is low. The Methyl Salicylate had a wintergreen fragrance. When the solution in the test tube was placed in water there was a wax-like coating at the top of the solution. This is as a result of the carboxylic acid (salicylic acid) not being soluble in water. Discussion The ester that was formed in this experiment was methyl Salicylate. Methyl Salicylate is an organic ester with a wintergreen scent. When produced it has a wax-like layer on the top of the solution that forms under few seconds. Methyl Salicylate can be used in chewing gum, candy for flavouring or