Synthesis of Isopentyl Acetate Via Fischer Esterification...

Experiment 1: Synthesis of Isopentyl Acetate via Fischer Esterification Introduction: Isopentyl acetate, banana oil, is a naturally occurring compound that has a very distinct and recognizable odor. It is most commonly found in bananas but also can be found in other organisms. The purpose of this lab was to synthesize the ester isopentyl acetate via an acid catalyzed esterification (Fischer Esterification) of acetic acid with isopentyl alcohol. Emil Fischer and Arthur Speier were the pioneers of this reaction referred to as Fischer Esterification. The reaction is characterized by the combining of an alcohol and an acid (with an acid catalyst) to yield and ester plus water. In order to accomplish the reaction, the reactants were†¦show more content†¦Once cooled, the mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel using the funnel while avoiding adding the boiling chip. 10 ml of water was then added to the mixture. The mixture was gently shaken and the phases were allowed to separate. The funnel was then unstopped and the lower aqueous phase was drained into a beaker. 5 ml of 5% aqueous NaHCO3 was added and then shaken gently. A great deal of caution was taken into consideration because of the production of carbon dioxide gas which caused pressure to develop inside the funnel. The pressure needed to be released so the funnel was vented frequently. The phases were allowed to separate and the lower aqueous phases was drained into the beaker. After draining, 5 ml of saturated NaCl was added to the funnel and then shaken gently. Once again, the phases were allowed to separate and the lower aqueous phase was drained into a beaker. An ester product was produced and was transferred into a 25 ml Erlenmeyer flask. This organic product was then dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 to trap small amounts of water in its crystal lattices thus removing it from the product. Finally the ester was decanted, so that the drying agent was excluded from the final product. Results and Discussion: Fischer esterification is the primary way of synthesizing this ester. The reactants involved inShow MoreRelatedSynthesis of Banana Flavor2281 Words   |  10 PagesSynthesis of Banana Flavor CHEMISTRY 200L EXPT 02 PAGE 01 - 11 Gerome B. Vallejos*, Ellis Mika C. Trino, Jahn Camille B. Valdez, Ariza Yamashita Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science Group 11 Corresponding author: gerome_911@yahoo.com Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to synthesize isopentyl acetate via Fischer esterification reaction between acetic anhydride and isoamyl alcohol, using concentrated sulfuric acid as a catalyst. This reaction is characterized by the combining