Esterification and Distillation Processes

The video tutorial by Alexandra Young at Curtin University demonstrates the process of making ethyl ethanoate through esterification. It covers the setup, execution, and safety considerations of the reaction, including the use of ethanol, glacial acetic acid, and sulfuric acid. The tutorial explains the reflux process, product isolation using a separating funnel, and purification through distillation. Key safety measures and techniques for optimizing product yield are also discussed.

What is the primary purpose of making ethyl ethanoate in this experiment?

• To demonstrate the corrosive nature of acids

• To observe the flammability of alcohols

• To study the properties of alcohols

• To create a fragrant ester for use in perfumes

Which principle explains the shift in equilibrium to increase the yield of ethyl ethanoate?

• Dalton's Law

• Avogadro's Law

• Le Chatelier's Principle

• Boyle's Law

What is the role of sulfuric acid in the esterification process?

• It provides a source of oxygen

• It is used to neutralize the reaction

• It serves as a dehydrating agent

• It acts as a reactant

Why are boiling chips added to the reaction mixture?

• To increase the reaction rate

• To prevent the glassware from cracking

• To act as a catalyst

• To change the color of the solution

What is the purpose of using a condenser in the reflux setup?

• To heat the reaction mixture

• To cool the vapors and return them to the mixture

• To measure the temperature

• To separate the reactants

During the isolation process, why is water added to the separating funnel?

• To separate water-soluble components

• To neutralize the acids

• To increase the reaction rate

• To dissolve the product

What is the purpose of adding sodium carbonate during the isolation process?

• To act as a catalyst

• To remove excess water

• To increase the acidity

• To neutralize leftover acids

Why is calcium chloride added to the product before distillation?

• To change the color of the product

• To act as a catalyst

• To remove traces of water

• To increase the boiling point

What is the boiling point of ethyl ethanoate, which is monitored during distillation?

• 90 degrees Celsius

• 100 degrees Celsius

• 77 degrees Celsius

• 60 degrees Celsius

What is the final step in determining the success of the experiment?

• Testing the fragrance

• Measuring the temperature

• Observing the color change

• Calculating the percentage yield