Esterificação de Fischer do Acetato de Etila

Síntese de um éster com aroma frutado

Organic Synthesis Advanced (University) 90 min ~$20,00

Objetivo

Sintetizar acetato de etila (o aroma do removedor de esmalte) via esterificação de Fischer do ácido acético e etanol, catalisada por ácido sulfúrico.

Contexto

Fischer esterification is the acid-catalyzed condensation of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol to form an ester and water. The reaction is reversible, and excess alcohol is used to drive the equilibrium toward product formation. Ethyl acetate has a characteristic sweet, fruity smell and is widely used as an industrial solvent.

Avisos de segurança

  • Concentrated sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive
  • Glacial acetic acid causes burns
  • Ethanol and ethyl acetate are flammable — no open flames
  • Work in a fume hood
  • Add sulfuric acid slowly to the mixture

EPI necessário

goggles gloves lab_coat

Materiais

  • Glacial acetic acid (10 mL)
    Corrosive
  • Ethanol (absolute) (15 mL)
    Excess to drive equilibrium
  • Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) (2 mL)
    Concentrated, catalyst
  • Sodium bicarbonate solution (50 mL)
    5% for washing
  • Anhydrous sodium sulfate (5 g)
    Drying agent

Equipamentos

Round-bottom flask (100 mL) Reflux condenser Heating mantle Separating funnel Boiling chips Thermometer

Procedimento

1

Add 15 mL ethanol and 10 mL glacial acetic acid to the round-bottom flask with boiling chips.

3 min Handle acetic acid in fume hood
2

Slowly add 2 mL concentrated H₂SO₄ as catalyst. Swirl gently to mix.

3 min Add acid slowly — exothermic
3

Attach the reflux condenser and heat gently at reflux for 45 minutes.

45 min Ensure water is flowing through condenser
4

Cool the flask. Pour the contents into a separating funnel with 30 mL water.

5 min
5

Wash the organic layer with 25 mL of 5% NaHCO₃ to remove excess acid. Vent the funnel frequently.

5 min CO₂ gas released — vent carefully
6

Separate the organic layer (top) and dry over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ for 10 minutes.

12 min
7

Filter off the drying agent. Carefully smell the product by wafting — note the fruity aroma of ethyl acetate.

3 min Never sniff directly — waft vapors toward nose
8

Calculate the yield based on the volume collected and the theoretical yield.

5 min

Resultados esperados

A clear, colorless liquid with a sweet, fruity smell characteristic of ethyl acetate. Typical yield is 60-70% due to the equilibrium nature of the reaction.

Limpeza

Dispose of organic waste in the designated container. Neutralize acid waste before disposal. Rinse all glassware with acetone then water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Esterificação de Fischer do Acetato de Etila?
Sintetizar acetato de etila (o aroma do removedor de esmalte) via esterificação de Fischer do ácido acético e etanol, catalisada por ácido sulfúrico.
How difficult is Esterificação de Fischer do Acetato de Etila?
This experiment is rated as Advanced (University). It takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for Esterificação de Fischer do Acetato de Etila?
Key safety precautions include: Concentrated sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive; Glacial acetic acid causes burns; Ethanol and ethyl acetate are flammable — no open flames.
What materials are needed for Esterificação de Fischer do Acetato de Etila?
The main materials required are: Glacial acetic acid, Ethanol (absolute), Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), Sodium bicarbonate solution, Anhydrous sodium sulfate.
What results should I expect from Esterificação de Fischer do Acetato de Etila?
A clear, colorless liquid with a sweet, fruity smell characteristic of ethyl acetate. Typical yield is 60-70% due to the equilibrium nature of the reaction.