Unit 4: Laboratory Techniques and their Applications
Learning aim B: Exploring manufacturing techniques and testing methods for an organic
liquid
Aims:
- Correctly prepare and test the purity of ethyl ethanoate (an organic liquid)
- Compare the laboratory and industrial manufacture as well as testing of
organic liquid
Section 1: Preparing an ester and testing its purity
Introduction:
The unseen substances known as esters are important components of commonplace goods
and items like fragrances and perfumes. Esters are the sole substance that has the special
capacity to intensify a taste or aroma. They have their origins in carboxylic acids, which
belong to the carboxyl group. In an ester, a group like methyl, ethyl, or phenyl obtains a new
hydrogen while losing its old one. Esters are frequently used as food flavourings and
perfumes because of their pleasant, fruity aroma. Their significance is found in sectors that
are centred around flavours and fragrances, such as the food and perfume industries.[1] The
ester link is the group of molecules denoted by (-COO). Like the ingredients in food
flavourings and perfumes, these molecules also function as imperceptible scents and
flavourings. But their contribution to the chemical industry goes beyond simply flavouring and
odorising. They function during the process of creating it as soluble compounds.[2]
Esterification is a relatively novel process in which a specific kind of acid is mixed with
alcohol to create a new compound that is subsequently called an ester, coupled with a little
amount of water. It is similar to the chemical reaction that occurs when an acidic substance
and alcohol combine to generate another substance. Ethyl ethanoate is also recognised as
ethyl acetate (C4H8O2).[3]
Esters are a class of organic compounds formed by the reaction between an acid and an
alcohol, typically characterised by the functional group -COO-. They are known for their
distinct, often pleasant, fruity aromas, making them significant in both natural and synthetic
applications. Esters are widely used in the food and beverage industry as flavouring agents
and fragrances due to their appealing scents. For instance, ethyl acetate, a common ester, is
used in perfumes and as a solvent in the production of paints and varnishes. Another
example is methyl butanoate, which gives pineapples their characteristic smell. Additionally,
esters like phthalates are utilised in the manufacture of plastics to impart flexibility. In the
pharmaceutical industry, esters serve as intermediates in the synthesis of various drugs.
Their versatility and widespread occurrence in nature make them integral to many industrial
and commercial processes [3].
Fischer esterification is a conventional procedure that involves alcohol, a certain acid, and a
drying-promoting agent. The reaction is accelerated by the use of sulfuric acid as a catalyst.
, During this synthesis process, alcohols, acids, and chemical catalysis combine to create
esters in fragrances.[4]
Esterification is a particular chemical process that involves reacting a primary alcohol with a
certain carboxylic acid and using sulfuric acid as a catalyst to form specific chemical
compounds known as ester. The main way to identify esters is by their pleasant aroma. This
formalised chemical process highlights the structured cooperation between the alcohol and
acid and produces the ester's unique physical and aromatic qualities. [5]
In chemical manufacture, a primary alcohol's intricately planned reaction with a specific
carboxylic acid, catalysed by sulfuric acid, demonstrates the complex interaction between
molecular components. The formation of a chemically distinct substance is triggered by this
well-planned intermolecular movement. It is distinguished not only by its altered
physicochemical properties but also by the creation of a very pleasant fragrance, which
supports its categorisation as an ester. Esters are necessary for many different types of
applications. They have a significant impact on the production of surfactants, which are
necessary components used to make detergents and soaps, in the industrial industry.
Nature uses esters to make pheromones, which are critical for communication between
different species. The fundamental structure of DNA molecules is established by phosphate
esters, underscoring the crucial role esters play in biological processes. The applications of
esters are further extended by their usage in the creation of polyesters, which are essential
ingredients in the making of plastics and contribute to the dynamic fields of industrial
production and materials engineering. [5]
Figure 1: Ester. [5]
P3 - Correctly prepare and test the purity of an organic liquid and draw conclusions
Preparing an ester:
Equipment:
1. Sulphuric acid
2. Test tube
3. Ethanoic acid
4. Ethanol
5. Beaker
6. Water
7. Kettle
8. Bunsen burner
9. Test tube rack
Learning aim B: Exploring manufacturing techniques and testing methods for an organic
liquid
Aims:
- Correctly prepare and test the purity of ethyl ethanoate (an organic liquid)
- Compare the laboratory and industrial manufacture as well as testing of
organic liquid
Section 1: Preparing an ester and testing its purity
Introduction:
The unseen substances known as esters are important components of commonplace goods
and items like fragrances and perfumes. Esters are the sole substance that has the special
capacity to intensify a taste or aroma. They have their origins in carboxylic acids, which
belong to the carboxyl group. In an ester, a group like methyl, ethyl, or phenyl obtains a new
hydrogen while losing its old one. Esters are frequently used as food flavourings and
perfumes because of their pleasant, fruity aroma. Their significance is found in sectors that
are centred around flavours and fragrances, such as the food and perfume industries.[1] The
ester link is the group of molecules denoted by (-COO). Like the ingredients in food
flavourings and perfumes, these molecules also function as imperceptible scents and
flavourings. But their contribution to the chemical industry goes beyond simply flavouring and
odorising. They function during the process of creating it as soluble compounds.[2]
Esterification is a relatively novel process in which a specific kind of acid is mixed with
alcohol to create a new compound that is subsequently called an ester, coupled with a little
amount of water. It is similar to the chemical reaction that occurs when an acidic substance
and alcohol combine to generate another substance. Ethyl ethanoate is also recognised as
ethyl acetate (C4H8O2).[3]
Esters are a class of organic compounds formed by the reaction between an acid and an
alcohol, typically characterised by the functional group -COO-. They are known for their
distinct, often pleasant, fruity aromas, making them significant in both natural and synthetic
applications. Esters are widely used in the food and beverage industry as flavouring agents
and fragrances due to their appealing scents. For instance, ethyl acetate, a common ester, is
used in perfumes and as a solvent in the production of paints and varnishes. Another
example is methyl butanoate, which gives pineapples their characteristic smell. Additionally,
esters like phthalates are utilised in the manufacture of plastics to impart flexibility. In the
pharmaceutical industry, esters serve as intermediates in the synthesis of various drugs.
Their versatility and widespread occurrence in nature make them integral to many industrial
and commercial processes [3].
Fischer esterification is a conventional procedure that involves alcohol, a certain acid, and a
drying-promoting agent. The reaction is accelerated by the use of sulfuric acid as a catalyst.
, During this synthesis process, alcohols, acids, and chemical catalysis combine to create
esters in fragrances.[4]
Esterification is a particular chemical process that involves reacting a primary alcohol with a
certain carboxylic acid and using sulfuric acid as a catalyst to form specific chemical
compounds known as ester. The main way to identify esters is by their pleasant aroma. This
formalised chemical process highlights the structured cooperation between the alcohol and
acid and produces the ester's unique physical and aromatic qualities. [5]
In chemical manufacture, a primary alcohol's intricately planned reaction with a specific
carboxylic acid, catalysed by sulfuric acid, demonstrates the complex interaction between
molecular components. The formation of a chemically distinct substance is triggered by this
well-planned intermolecular movement. It is distinguished not only by its altered
physicochemical properties but also by the creation of a very pleasant fragrance, which
supports its categorisation as an ester. Esters are necessary for many different types of
applications. They have a significant impact on the production of surfactants, which are
necessary components used to make detergents and soaps, in the industrial industry.
Nature uses esters to make pheromones, which are critical for communication between
different species. The fundamental structure of DNA molecules is established by phosphate
esters, underscoring the crucial role esters play in biological processes. The applications of
esters are further extended by their usage in the creation of polyesters, which are essential
ingredients in the making of plastics and contribute to the dynamic fields of industrial
production and materials engineering. [5]
Figure 1: Ester. [5]
P3 - Correctly prepare and test the purity of an organic liquid and draw conclusions
Preparing an ester:
Equipment:
1. Sulphuric acid
2. Test tube
3. Ethanoic acid
4. Ethanol
5. Beaker
6. Water
7. Kettle
8. Bunsen burner
9. Test tube rack
