In the synthesis of methyl benzoate, a large excess of methanol and a small amou
ID: 1018379 • Letter: I
Question
In the synthesis of methyl benzoate, a large excess of methanol and a small amount of sulfuric acid was reacted with the benzoic acid. When the reaction was over, how could you remove the acid catalyst? In the synthesis of methyl benzoate, a large excess of methanol and a small amount of sulfuric acid was reacted with the benzoic acid. When the reaction was over, how could you remove the acid catalyst? In the synthesis of methyl benzoate, a large excess of methanol and a small amount of sulfuric acid was reacted with the benzoic acid. When the reaction was over, how could you remove the acid catalyst?Explanation / Answer
Methyl benzoate is more soluble in the DCM so after reaction is over, the reaction mixture is extracted with DCM then the Na2CO3 solution (basic solution) is used to neutralize the acid catalyst.