Unit 4 – Learning aim B - Resubmission
Explore manufacturing techniques and testing methods for an organic liquid.
Preparation of an ester (ethyl ethanoate)
An ester is an organic material generated by the condensation reaction of an organic acid and
an alcohol.
The esterification of a carboxylic acid into an ester is the goal of this practical. Esterification is a
scientific method that produces esters by first producing ethyl ethanoate and water via a
process known as reflux and then separating the ethyl ethanoate and water via distillation.
Distillation is the separation of liquids by cooling and heating, whereas reflux is the
condensation of vapours.
The purpose of this practical is esterification of a carboxylic acid.
Ethanoic acid + Ethanol → Ethyl ethanoate + Water𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝐻2 𝑂𝐻 + 𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝐻2 𝑂𝐻 →
𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂2 𝐶𝐻2 𝐶𝐻3 + 𝐻2 𝑂
𝐻2 𝑆𝑂4
Risk assessment:
Hazard Persons at Existing LxS Risk rating Further
risk controls controls if
necessary
and actioned
by/when
Corrosive Anyone Wear PPE 4x4 16 Ask teacher
chemicals holding (Personal for help
chemicals or Protective
in Equipment)
surrounding
area
Spillage Anyone in Be extra 3x3 9 Step away
the area careful when and ask
holding the teacher for
chemicals help
Falling over Anyone All bags stay 3x2 6 Ensure there
bags etc. walking under the is nothing out
around desk out of that people
the way may trip over
Glass Anyone in Be careful 3x2 6 Step away
equipment the area when and ask
breaking
, handling teacher for
equipment help
Pressure Anyone in Make sure to 3x3 9 Step away
build-up in the area not have the and ask
the heat too high teacher for
apparatus help
Likelihood:
1- Very unlikely
2- Unlikely
3- May happen
4- Likely
5- Certain
Severity:
1- First aid/ illness
2- Minor injury/ illness up to 3 days
3- 3+ days injury/ illness
4- Major injury/ illness
5- Fatal or disabling injury/ illness
Equipment:
• Condenser
• Water supply
• Weighing scales
• Measuring cylinder
• Ethanol (5cm3)
• Conical flask
• Ethanoic acid (6cm3)
• Pipette
• Concentrated sulfuric acid (1cm3)
• Anti-bumping granules
• Electric heater
• Thermometer
• Calcium chloride
This preparation makes use of quickfit equipment, which should be handled with caution. The
device must be fastened around the joints and held firmly yet gently on clamp stands (X).
Explore manufacturing techniques and testing methods for an organic liquid.
Preparation of an ester (ethyl ethanoate)
An ester is an organic material generated by the condensation reaction of an organic acid and
an alcohol.
The esterification of a carboxylic acid into an ester is the goal of this practical. Esterification is a
scientific method that produces esters by first producing ethyl ethanoate and water via a
process known as reflux and then separating the ethyl ethanoate and water via distillation.
Distillation is the separation of liquids by cooling and heating, whereas reflux is the
condensation of vapours.
The purpose of this practical is esterification of a carboxylic acid.
Ethanoic acid + Ethanol → Ethyl ethanoate + Water𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝐻2 𝑂𝐻 + 𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝐻2 𝑂𝐻 →
𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂2 𝐶𝐻2 𝐶𝐻3 + 𝐻2 𝑂
𝐻2 𝑆𝑂4
Risk assessment:
Hazard Persons at Existing LxS Risk rating Further
risk controls controls if
necessary
and actioned
by/when
Corrosive Anyone Wear PPE 4x4 16 Ask teacher
chemicals holding (Personal for help
chemicals or Protective
in Equipment)
surrounding
area
Spillage Anyone in Be extra 3x3 9 Step away
the area careful when and ask
holding the teacher for
chemicals help
Falling over Anyone All bags stay 3x2 6 Ensure there
bags etc. walking under the is nothing out
around desk out of that people
the way may trip over
Glass Anyone in Be careful 3x2 6 Step away
equipment the area when and ask
breaking
, handling teacher for
equipment help
Pressure Anyone in Make sure to 3x3 9 Step away
build-up in the area not have the and ask
the heat too high teacher for
apparatus help
Likelihood:
1- Very unlikely
2- Unlikely
3- May happen
4- Likely
5- Certain
Severity:
1- First aid/ illness
2- Minor injury/ illness up to 3 days
3- 3+ days injury/ illness
4- Major injury/ illness
5- Fatal or disabling injury/ illness
Equipment:
• Condenser
• Water supply
• Weighing scales
• Measuring cylinder
• Ethanol (5cm3)
• Conical flask
• Ethanoic acid (6cm3)
• Pipette
• Concentrated sulfuric acid (1cm3)
• Anti-bumping granules
• Electric heater
• Thermometer
• Calcium chloride
This preparation makes use of quickfit equipment, which should be handled with caution. The
device must be fastened around the joints and held firmly yet gently on clamp stands (X).
