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Unit 4 - Laboratory Techniques & their Application - Assignment B (Distinction)

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Hey! This is my second assignment for Unit 4 of the BTEC Level 3 Applied Science course, all about the production and testing of an organic liquid. In this task, I made a sample of ethyl ethanoate using practical lab techniques like reflux and distillation, and then tested its purity using methods like boiling point determination. I also explained how to ensure accuracy and evaluated how effective the techniques were. I was really proud to achieve a Distinction for this work, and I hope it can help guide you too! Just a little reminder — please use this as a reference only and don’t copy it directly, as that could count as plagiarism. Good luck with your studies!

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Uploaded on
May 29, 2025
File latest updated on
September 1, 2025
Number of pages
16
Written in
2023/2024
Type
Essay
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Grade
A

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Exploring the manufacturing techniques and testing methods for an
organic liquid

Introduction
Ethyl ethanoate is an ester, which is an organic compound. Esters are created when an acid and an
alcohol react together – usually with water removed, too. They tend to smell fruity and are typical
ingredients in perfumes and flavourings (Solventis, 2022).
The aim of the following practical is to skilfully prepare ethyl ethanoate using a traditional
esterification process. We'll begin by refluxing a mixture of glacial acetic acid and ethanol in the
presence of sulfuric acid to initiate the process. Following the reflux, we will neutralise any excess
acid and then separate the crude organic liquid. To assure purity, the mixture will be dried to get
rid of excess water, and the ethyl ethanoate will be distilled while carefully monitoring the
temperature range to properly determine its boiling point. Finally, we'll calculate the ester's %
yield to determine how efficient our procedure was. This comprehensive strategy will not only
produce ethyl ethanoate but will also improve our understanding of organic synthesis and
separation methods (Canvas, Class Notes, 2024).
Ethyl ethanoate is produced industrially using a scaled-up esterification procedure. The primary
components used are ethanol and acetic acid. These reactants are continuously delivered into a
reactor, which uses sulfuric acid as a catalyst to increase the reaction rate. The process is carried
out under regulated conditions to maximise the yield and purity of the ethyl ethanoate produced
(Studocu, 2024).
In industry, the production of ethyl ethanoate happens by the use of many important phases and
apparatus. First, under reflux setup, this reaction is initiated using its esterification. Reflux
apparatus usually contains a round-bottom flask, condenser, and a heating source. This happens
by heating the round-bottom flask with a heating source and adding a catalyst, such as sulfuric
acid, to the mixture of acetic acid and ethanol heating above its boiling point. Then, when it boils,
the vapours condense and return to the flask, allowing the reaction to take place for more time.
Afterward, distillation takes place. Ethyl ethanoate separation and purification can be extracted
from the reaction mixture by use of a distillation device, either through basic distillation setup or
fractional distillation column. The ethyl ester is then collected as the product.
Fractional distillation is largely applied to isolate and purify. This is a process through which a
fractionating column is used, which creates several vaporization-condensation cycles, in which
greater separation is attained between components depending upon their boiling points (Doc
Brown, 2024).




(Canvas, Class Notes, 2024).
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The Science Stash

Welcome to The Science Stash! Here you’ll find all my Level 3 Applied Science coursework modules, each completed to Distinction standard! Perfect for fellow students wanting top-notch guides to help you shine. Please use as inspiration only and don’t copy—let’s keep it honest and fab!

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