Describe two ways in which the equilibrium of the Fischer esterification could b
ID: 495825 • Letter: D
Question
Describe two ways in which the equilibrium of the Fischer esterification could be shifted in order to produce more of the ester product. What method in particular was used to shift the equilibrium of the experiment that you performed in lab this week? Once the initial microextraction was performed (removal of the reaction mixture's aqueous layer) how was your ester product further separated from any remaining unreacted carboxylic acid? Give a detailed explanation complete with a balanced equation showing how further purification was achieved. On a similar note, how was your ester product further separated from any remaining unreacted alcohol following the initial microextraction?Explanation / Answer
Fischer esterification is the esterification of a carboxylic acid by alcohol in the presence of a strong acid catalyst. As this is a reversible reaction, so according to Le chatelier's principle water should be removed continuously from the product and alcohol should be used in large excess to increase the yield of ester product.