Fischer Esterification Reaction Virtual Lab Simulation
Chemistry | Organic Chemistry
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Synthesis of esters.
Fischer esterification reaction is used through which esters can be prepared by refluxing a carboxylic acid with either primary or secondary alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, commonly concentrated sulfuric acid to push the reaction forward.
Become proficient at running organic chemical reactions.
All esters; either naturally abundant or synthesized, have a common chemical structure since they are derivatives of their corresponding carboxylic acids as shown below:
Figure 1. Common Chemical Structure of Esters
- Esters can be mainly prepared through esterification reaction; where carboxylic acids react with alcohols to form esters and water. Esterification reactions are catalyzed by the presence of concentrated acids to force the reaction forward preventing it from going backward. The general mechanism of the esterification reaction is displayed in the following scheme.
Figure 2. Schematic Diagram for the Mechanism of Esterification Reaction
- The main role of acid in Fischer esterification reaction is acting as a catalyst since it is a dehydrating agent. It withdraws the water that is produced as a by-product of the reaction. Consequently, this forces the reaction to go forwards and prevent it from going backward.
- Esters are characterized by possessing sweet odors. In addition, they are considered as the fundamental organic compounds that impart the sweet odour and taste of most fruits such as banana (isopentyl acetate), apple (methyl butyrate), cherry (benzyl butyrate), etc.
An example Fischer esterification reaction is the synthesis of methyl salicylate oil that possesses the odor of wintergreen oil. The reaction proceeds between salicylic acid and methanol in presence of concentrated sulfuric acid as shown in the following scheme:
Figure 3. Schematic Diagram for Preparation of Methyl Salicylate from Salicylic Acid and Methanol in Presence of Sulfuric Acid
Finally, the formed wintergreen oil is extracted using diethyl ether with the aid of a separatory funnel.
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